ATP heavyweights Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal both remain entered in the ATP 500 event in Dubai beginning February 27, with the Gulf event boasting a knockout entry.
The tournament which clashes with a similar outing in Acapulco, seems to have won the talent wars, with the entry comprising five of the Top 10 and nine of the Top 20.
Ten-time Australian Open winner Djokovic has won five titles in Dubai while Nadal lifted the trophy in 2006 but has not played the event in a decade and a half.
Fifth-ranked Andrey Rublev will be defending his title in a field which also includes fellow Top 10 players Felix-Auger-Aliassime and Hubert Hurkacz.
