The caddie, named in media reports as Max Zechmann, was carrying the bag of French player Anne-Lise Caudal when he collapsed on the 13th fairway.

He was then taken to hospital where he later died.

"First round play was suspended at 10.30am local time," a statement by the Ladies' European Tour said.

"After being immediately attended to by the on-site medical team, the caddie was taken to hospital where he was later pronounced dead."

The tournament has been reduced to 54 holes, with the first round to resume tomorrow.

"Everyone at the Ladies' European Tour is extremely shocked and saddened by this sudden death and therefore we have taken the decision to suspend first round play as a mark of respect," added the Ladies' European Tour chief executive, Ivan Khodabakhsh.

"On behalf of our membership, we offer heartfelt condolences to the individual’s family and loved ones."

It is not the first time a caddie has collapsed and later died during tournament play.

In 2014, Ian MacGregor, a caddie for Alastair Forsyth, died of a heart attack during the Madeira Islands Open.

Caudal, 32, from France, has two wins on the Ladies' European Tour including the 2012 German Open.

She turned pro 10 years ago.

The Dubai Ladies Masters is the season ending event of the tour's calendar.

The start of the first round at the Emirates Golf Club was already delayed by one hour yesterday morning due to fog.

England’s Florentyna Parker made seven birdies on the back nine of the Majlis Course this morning to take the early lead, three strokes ahead of United States player Cheyenne Woods.

Frenchwoman Jade Schaeffer and Australian Whitney Hillier were both on three-under-par after three and five holes respectively when play was suspended at 10.30am local time.