Matt Fitzpatrick questions defending Dubai DP World Tour title amid Middle East conflict
Matt Fitzpatrick said on 16 September 2026 he may not defend his DP World Tour Championship title in Dubai because he is uncomfortable playing in the Middle East amid the ongoing conflict, raising doubts over his participation in the Tour’s end-of-season events in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The English world No 4 is due to defend the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai but has voiced reservations about appearing at the Tour’s finish after accusing organisers of being “very vague” about whether the events will be retained in the UAE or relocated. Fitzpatrick described playing elsewhere as a “no brainer” while adding he did not expect his view to influence the Tour’s hierarchy; contingency venues known to have been considered include Turkey, Spain and Portugal.
“As things stand right now, I would say I’m not that comfortable [playing in the Middle East],” Fitzpatrick said. “A few things have changed for me. I had a child in August and that changes things a bit more. “It would feel a little bit weird, given what I’m reading elsewhere. Things can change overnight, I’m sure. I think it seems to be going down that path of things are getting better. I’ve looked on the UK [government] website, I know they changed it from essential travel only to one step better than that. “I know the Tour has been on this for a long time. It’s frustrating the decision hasn’t been made so you can plan. But I understand there’s a lot of moving parts to that and it’s difficult to make these decisions. “If the Tour do go, I’m sure they have had the best advice possible on what that looks like. As things stand, I wouldn’t necessarily be too keen on going. I know there’s been discussions on what Formula One is doing. I’ve heard they might not be going there, so it begs the question, would we, I guess.”
Fitzpatrick cited missile-strike damage to a Dubai hotel where he had dinner during the week of his 2025 win at Jumeriah Golf Estates, saying: “That’s very scary.” Pressed on whether he felt his viewpoint would be heeded, Fitzpatrick said: “I don’t think so.” He added that his management had been told in April the Tour would make a decision by June.
He said the Middle East would likely want the DP World Tour to remain there because “it’s a great event for two weeks. It’s great for tourism and all that sort of stuff with it,” but added he had not had regular contact. “I t’s been very vague the whole time and they have not necessarily kind of had open communication,” he said.
A DP World Tour spokesman said: “We are in constant dialogue with our members and their management teams about the tournaments they play in but ultimately players’ individual schedule choices are a matter for them to decide. “As far as our playoffs are concerned, it remains our intention to play as scheduled in the UAE, but we continue to monitor the situation and take advice from our international travel advisors.” The article notes that should Fitzpatrick and others opt to skip UAE-based tournaments it would undermine their status and that Rory McIlroy is seeking to win a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai title.
“There are some concerns,” said Ryan Fox. “I’m of the opinion that the Tour is doing their due diligence. If they feel like it’s safe for us to go, I’m willing to support that. “But I can understand, also, why guys have some reservations. I’ll keep monitoring it. If I feel like it’s not the right decision, I might not go, but at this point I trust the Tour’s decision in that regard.”
The topic is a rising one for discussion at this week’s PGA Championship, the DP World Tour’s flagship competition at Wentworth; the Abu Dhabi Championship is due to take place from 5 November, with the DP World Tour Championship slated for the following week.