Ronnie O’Sullivan is in the News for his plans to Move to the Middle East and his Recent semi-final Exit at the World Snooker Championship.

Ronnie O’Sullivan is in the News for his plans to Move to the Middle East and his Recent semi-final Exit at the World Snooker Championship.

 

 

 

Ronnie O’Sullivan, one of the most iconic figures in professional snooker, is once again in the spotlight—this time for a combination of personal and professional developments. The 49-year-old snooker legend has announced plans to relocate to the Middle East, a decision that comes just days after his unexpected semi-final exit at the World Snooker Championship.

O’Sullivan’s announcement has stirred considerable attention in both the sporting world and among his global fan base. Speaking to the media, the seven-time world champion cited lifestyle changes and new business opportunities as key factors in his decision to consider a move to the Gulf region.

“I’ve always loved spending time in the Middle East,” O’Sullivan said in a recent interview. “The weather, the pace of life, the way people appreciate sports over there—it all appeals to me. I think it’s the right time for a change.”

Though he didn’t specify which country he plans to move to, sources suggest that Dubai or Abu Dhabi are likely destinations. Both cities have rapidly growing sports scenes and have been investing heavily in global events, making them attractive locations for athletes looking to stay involved in the game while enjoying a more relaxed lifestyle.

The news of his potential move comes on the heels of a tough loss at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, where O’Sullivan was defeated in the semi-finals of the 2025 World Snooker Championship. Despite entering the tournament as the favorite, O’Sullivan struggled to find consistency in the latter stages of the match, ultimately falling short against a determined opponent.

Fans and pundits alike were surprised by the result, particularly after O’Sullivan’s dominant performance in the early rounds. Some speculated that off-table distractions, including his future relocation plans, may have played a role in his performance. However, O’Sullivan dismissed such claims, insisting that his focus was entirely on the tournament.

“Sometimes you just don’t play your best snooker. That’s the nature of the game,” he said. “I gave it everything, but it wasn’t meant to be this time. I’ll be back.”

Despite the setback, O’Sullivan remains optimistic about the future. In addition to his relocation plans, he hinted at launching new snooker academies and training programs in the Middle East, aiming to help grow the sport in a region where interest is rapidly increasing.

“There’s a lot of young talent out there that just needs the right support and infrastructure,” he said. “If I can play a part in that, it would be a great new chapter in my career.”

As O’Sullivan contemplates life beyond the UK snooker circuit, his fans can expect to see more of him in a global capacity—both on and off the table. While his semi-final exit may have marked a temporary pause in his championship ambitions, his passion for the sport clearly remains as strong as ever.