DP World Tour Sets Emergency Alert Plan for Abu Dhabi Event

The DP World Tour has given players and caddies at this week's Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship a formal emergency protocol, spelling out what to do if United Arab Emirates authorities issue a public mobile phone alert during the tournament, as regional security concerns have driven a wave of high-profile withdrawals.

What does the emergency notice say?

A notice titled "Mobile Phone Alerts & Emergency Procedures" was distributed before practice rounds began and later shared publicly by putting coach Jacobo Pastor. It states that if UAE authorities issue a mobile alert on site, play will stop immediately, signaled by a long blast of the air horns used for dangerous-situation procedures. Players and caddies are instructed to evacuate to the clubhouse, where tour staff will provide updates and further guidance through the Player Portal.

Why are players skipping the event?

Ongoing conflicts across the Middle East, including a recent attack on Riyadh International Airport in Saudi Arabia, have unsettled some pros. The Tour reportedly explored Spain's Real Club de Golf Sotogrande as an alternate host site weeks ago before being assured Abu Dhabi and Dubai remain safe, and the event is proceeding at Yas Links Golf Club as planned.

Matt Fitzpatrick and Robert MacIntyre, both recently first-time fathers, are the most prominent of at least 11 top-70 Race to Dubai players skipping the trip. Fitzpatrick, the defending DP World Tour Championship winner, said he had been reassured about safety but was still weighing it: "I would be very disappointed to miss it, to be honest."

Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Tommy Fleetwood are among the stars still in the field. McIlroy has never won in Abu Dhabi and is chasing a record-equaling eighth Harry Vardon Trophy, which would pull him level with Colin Montgomerie.