Matt Fitzpatrick, the world No. 4 golfer and defending champion of the DP World Tour Championship, has voiced concerns about traveling to the United Arab Emirates for the season-ending events amid rising tensions in the Middle East. The DP World Tour finale, consisting of the Abu Dhabi Championship from November 5-8 followed by the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai the following week, remains scheduled to proceed as planned. However, Fitzpatrick’s apprehensions highlight growing unease among some players regarding security amid the ongoing conflict in the region.
Fitzpatrick cited the recent war involving Iran, the United States, and Israel as a key factor in his hesitation. Reflecting on a past incident, he recalled that a hotel in Dubai where he had dined the week he won the tournament in 2025 was hit by a missile earlier this year, emphasizing how close he had been to a potential danger zone. “That’s very scary,” he said. Additionally, Fitzpatrick pointed to the potential impact of the conflict on other international sports events, noting that Formula One had already canceled races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia this year, and that the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was reportedly under review.
The English golfer, who became a father in August, indicated that his personal circumstances had shifted his perspective on risk. “Being completely honest, as things stand right now, I wouldn’t necessarily be too keen on going,” Fitzpatrick said, adding that evolving geopolitical developments and shifts in government travel advisories contribute to the complexity of the decision. He also criticized the tour’s communication regarding contingency plans as “very vague” and expressed frustration about the lack of a definitive decision, which has made planning difficult.
Tour officials have maintained their intention to hold the events in the UAE but continue to monitor the situation closely, consulting international travel experts and maintaining dialogue with players and their management teams. A tour spokesperson emphasized that players’ individual choices about participation remain their own, while assuring that safety assessments are ongoing.
Not all players share Fitzpatrick’s reservations. Ryan Fox, the Open champion from New Zealand, said he trusts the tour’s guidance on safety and is willing to support the decision to proceed if it is deemed secure. However, the possibility of top golfers opting out could impact the prestige and competitive integrity of the tournaments, particularly as Rory McIlroy aims for a record-equalling eighth European order of merit title, now known as the Race to Dubai.
Contingency plans involving alternative venues in Turkey, Spain, and Portugal have reportedly been considered by the DP World Tour, although the prevailing indication is that both the Abu Dhabi and Dubai events will go ahead as scheduled. The unfolding situation in the Middle East and responses from the sporting community underscore the challenges of balancing professional commitments with concerns over safety and geopolitical instability.