Rory McIlroy totally disagrees with Matt Fitzpatrick on Middle East debate

Rory McIlroy insists he would have no problem traveling to the United Arab Emirates for the conclusion of the DP World Tour season, despite lingering security concerns in the Middle East.

The European circuit is due to conclude its season with playoff events in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which have been caught up in the United States and Israel's war with Iran.

The tournaments — the HSBC Abu Dhabi Championship and DP World Tour Championship — remain on the schedule for November, but the DP World Tour has yet to definitively decide if they will go ahead. Players are torn on the subject, with Matt Fitzpatrick saying on Wednesday he would not be "comfortable" traveling to the Middle East as things stand.

McIlroy, however, is happy to follow the advice of the authorities, and if the tournaments take place as planned, he will be there.

"Yeah, not for me," he replied when asked if he had any concerns about making the trip. "If the local governments feel like it's safe to put on these events, they are not going to put their citizens or people visiting in harm's way, I imagine.

"I love the Middle East. I have a lot of friends there, and I'm looking forward to going back for sure."

The U.S. State Department has issued a level three travel advisory to the U.A.E., urging people to reconsider travel due to the ongoing conflict, which has seen Iran target US-associated sites across the Middle East. There is also an elevated risk of terrorism, per the warning.

The U.K., where the DP World Tour is based, has removed warnings against travel to the UAE, but it does caution travelers about the risk of terrorism and the "unpredictability" of the U.S. and Israel's war with Iran.

World No. 4 Fitzpatrick indicated this week that he would not play in the Middle East. He said: "Being completely honest as things stand right now, I would say I'm not that comfortable. No, I wouldn't be that comfortable. A few things have obviously changed for me, perspective and stuff. I've had a child in August, and that obviously kind of changes things, I guess, a bit more.

"As things are right now, 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 U.K. website, I know they he changed from essential travel only to one step better than that.

"Obviously, I know the tour has been on this for a long time. It's obviously frustrating that the decision hasn't been made so you can plan what's going on. But I understand there's obviously a lot of moving parts to that, and it's obviously difficult to make these decisions."

Fitzpatrick believes his opinion would have very little sway in the DP World Tour's decision, but he says fellow players have shared their concerns with him.

He added: "I think if the tour does go, I'm sure they have had the best advice possible on what that looks like. As things stand right now, I wouldn't necessarily be too keen on going.

"I know there have been discussions on what Formula 1 is doing. I don't know the rumors that side, but I've heard they might not be going there, so it begs the question: 'Would we?'

"It's not for me to make these decisions. I'm not paid to do that. But I just don't feel like my opinion would hold that much weight. I know I've been asked on my opinion, but I don't necessarily think it's like a heavy weight that's going to [influence the decision].

"I spoke to a couple of the guys, and some of them have said they are uncomfortable. Some have said it's fine. I guess we'll see."