Ronnie O’Sullivan Given ‘Ultimatum’ by Wife Over New Life in Dubai

Ronnie O'Sullivan received an 'ultimatum' from his new wife and followed up with a major lifestyle change this year.

'The Rocket', arguably the greatest player in snooker history, tied the knot with Laila Rouass, his long-time partner, back in June.

The couple, who previously split up before reconciling, wed at a ceremony at St George's Town Hall in Shedwell, East London and he announced the marriage on his Instagram, writing: “We finally made it official!! Mr & Mrs O’Sullivan.”

Brought up in Chigwell, Essex, O'Sullivan had been living in the Chingford and Woodford Green area in 2024 but he has now permanently relocated to the Middle East in Dubai.

The decision mirrors one recently made by Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand, who left his role as a TNT Sports pundit and packed up to live and work in Dubai.

Living in Sheffield, home of the iconic Crucible, was not on the cards and then it was between Spain and Dubai - with the lavish UAE city the go-to pick from former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Rouass.

Ronnie O'Sullivan is now residing in Dubai with his wife. Image: Getty

With O'Sullivan spending more time in the Middle East and China currently, he felt as though it was a natural move to enjoy life in Dubai.

Speaking to The Sun about life in his new surroundings, O'Sullivan said: “It’s really good. I’ve got a great practice facility there, which was one of the main reasons for going.

“I was struggling to find somewhere to play. It was either get a train up to Sheffield or try to move to Sheffield.

“But my wife wasn’t too keen on Sheffield. So she said we either go Spain or Dubai.

“And I thought, well, Dubai is nearer China. Obviously it’s in the Middle East.

“All the tournaments that I play and all the work that I do is there. It just made sense to go to Dubai."

He added: "Really enjoying it out there. Great gyms. I’m enjoying that side of it.

“I had some friends over there before that played snooker and they’ve helped me get into Dubai life.

“I’ve met some really nice friends and fitted in really well. So yeah, it’s great.

“I’m not a sunbather, but I’d much rather the heat than cold, if that makes sense. Spring and autumn are my favourite times.”

O'Sullivan is expected to return to action next week. Image: Getty

What next for O'Sullivan?

O'Sullivan has been extremely complimentary of the set-up whenever he has competed in Saudi Arabia, where he now has his own snooker academy after signing a three-year agreement with the nation's General Entertainment Authority to become an ambassador for snooker.

He is also involved in the launch of Pluto TV's new dedicated snooker channel, Pluto Snooker 900.

The seven-time world champion hasn't been too active of late having pulled out of three tournaments on medical grounds.

However, he is slated to make his return at the 2025 Xi'an Grand Prix when it kicks off next week.

Now resisting in Dubai, travel arrangements will be much smoother for O'Sullivan, who is poised to take on 19-year-old Ukrainian Julian Boiko in the first round.