The opening round of the <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/golf/2023/01/24/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-2023-hero-dubai-desert-classic/" target="_blank">Hero Dubai Desert Classic </a>has been suspended because of heavy <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/climate/environment/2023/01/27/uae-weather-rain-dubai/" target="_blank">rainfall</a> in the emirate, organisers announced early on Thursday. “Due to the <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/2023/01/26/uae-weather-rain-schools/" target="_blank">overnight rainfall</a>, Emirates Golf Club is currently inaccessible and the facilities are closed,” the DP World Tour said. “A further update will be provided by 10am.” Play at the $9 million Rolex Series event was to begin at 7.10am on Thursday, with <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/golf/2023/01/25/rory-mcilroy-on-patrick-reed-tee-throwing-rancour-id-be-expecting-a-lawsuit/" target="_blank">world No 1 and two-time Classic champion Rory McIlroy</a> originally scheduled to open his bid for a record-equalling third Dallah trophy at 7.40am. Dubai was hit with <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/golf/2023/01/25/first-day-of-of-hero-dubai-desert-classic-closed-to-public-due-to-weather-concerns/" target="_blank">heavy rain on Wednesday afternoon</a>, with rain forecast for most of the UAE until Friday. Wednesday and Thursday were expected to be most affected by the inclement weather.
