Snooker star Judd Trump has revealed he is effectively homeless after fleeing Dubai amid escalating conflict in the Middle East. The 36-year-old world champion moved to the United Arab Emirates from the UK in January 2025, but has now been forced to leave his home due to regional instability.
Trump, who has over 30 ranking titles and won the World Snooker Championship in 2019, is currently competing at the World Open in Yushan, China. He said he had to leave Dubai and is now based in Bangkok, Thailand, where he is staying in a hotel. 'I had to leave so we went to Bangkok,' Trump explained. 'It's a bit up in the air at the moment. I don't really think I can go back, just in case I get stuck there.'
The UAE has been affected by state-level conflict following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, with counter-strikes and drone attacks reported across the Gulf, including in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Debris from intercepted missiles has hit residential areas, and significant strikes have impacted Dubai International Airport and Jebel Ali Port. Trump's brother was also stuck in Dubai but has since managed to leave.
Trump, who previously divided his time between Dubai and Hong Kong, said he is now looking for a new permanent home. 'Just trying to make the best of a bad situation. It's just difficult at the moment because you don't know where I'm going to be living. Every day is different. Just living in a hotel for the last few weeks,' he said.
Regarding his plans for the 2026 World Snooker Championship, Trump indicated he is unlikely to return to the UK due to time constraints. 'I'm very limited on time in the UK so it can't really be the UK. Probably Bangkok,' he said. 'It gets more difficult when I'm going back to the UK for the next tournament and the Worlds. I don't really know where I'm going to be at that point.'
