Explore the training methodologies of snooker legends Judd Trump and Ronnie O'Sullivan as they embrace their new life in Dubai.
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In a significant career shift, Judd Trump and Ronnie O’Sullivan have chosen Dubai as their new base of operations. This decision aligns with a growing trend of lucrative snooker tournaments emerging in the Middle East and Asia, motivating elite players to relocate for improved opportunities.
Trump initiated this transition at the beginning of 2025, demonstrating his commitment by shipping practice tables to the UAE.
O’Sullivan followed suit during the summer months, after establishing a snooker academy in Riyadh late the previous year. He has settled in Dubai with his wife, Laila Rouass, marking a new chapter in their lives.
Training in elite facilities
The snooker elite are currently competing at the Northern Irish Open, where Trump is set to face Welsh player Jackson Page. O’Sullivan, however, has opted out of this tournament for the third consecutive year. In the lead-up to this event, Trump shared insights about their training sessions in Dubai.
Both players utilize the same impressive practice facilities, which have received acclaim for their quality.
When asked about their training sessions together, Trump commented on their schedules. He noted, “There are two private rooms available. I usually arrive earlier, while Ronnie tends to come in a bit after me, so our paths don’t cross often.” Despite their infrequent encounters, Trump expressed a potential for collaboration, stating, “If we both find ourselves in the facility and need to hone our skills, there’s no reason we wouldn’t practice together. We’ve had plenty of practice sessions in the past, especially when I was younger.”
Regarding their social interactions, Trump admitted he has seen O’Sullivan only once in Dubai, saying, “I don’t think I’ve even spotted him since I arrived. My training schedule has changed significantly; back in the UK, I would start around half ten or eleven, but now in Dubai, I’m in by half eight or nine. I typically practice for three hours and am out by noon, leaving me the rest of the day free.”
Facility features and personal adjustments
O’Sullivan echoed Trump’s sentiments about the top-notch practice environment. He remarked, “This facility is possibly the best I’ve ever trained in. The setup is fantastic, and the staff is incredible. It has certainly simplified my life and streamlined my routine.” He explained that working in this region has alleviated issues such as jet lag, as his travel times have been significantly reduced.
Settling in Dubai
As O’Sullivan adjusts to this new lifestyle, he expressed satisfaction with their home arrangement and the presence of their dogs. “Everything’s set up now, with all our furniture moved from the UK, and we’ve sold almost everything we owned back there. There’s virtually nothing left for me in the UK now,” he shared, reflecting on the drastic changes in his life.
This transition to Dubai not only signifies a geographical shift for these snooker legends but also represents a strategic move to enhance their skills and adaptability in an increasingly competitive sport. With the Middle East becoming a focal point for high-stakes snooker events, Trump and O’Sullivan’s decision to train in such an environment could yield significant benefits for their careers.
As they continue to navigate their new routines in Dubai, the snooker community anticipates the impact of their training sessions on their performance in upcoming tournaments.
