The men’s over 84 kilogram kumite star will be one of over 600 karatekas from 59 countries who will be competing across two-days of competition at the Al Ahli Club, with the event commencing tomorrow.

Following his success in Rotterdam during March, in the third event of the 10 destination series, Spain’s Damian Quintero will go in search of back-to-back titles in the men’s kata event.

Another victory would see Quintero claim the fourth Premier League gold medal of his career.

Azerbaijan’s Rafael Aghayev, the European champion in the men’s under 75kg kumite, will make his season debut in Dubai, but could face a strong challenge from Italy’s Luigi Busa.

One of the women’s stars in action over the weekend will be Malaysia’s Syakilla Salnijefry Krishnan, with the World Championship silver medallist due to compete in the under 61kg kumite event.

Unsurprisingly, hosts the United Arab Emirates boast the largest delegation with a total of 55 athletes set to represent the nation.

They will hope to mark the first edition of the Karate 1-Premier League to be held in Dubai by delivering multiple success in front of a home crowd.

Italy and India have the next largest delegations, with 51 and 40 athletes due to compete throughout the weekend from both countries.

Competition will begin tomorrow with the men’s and women’s kata competitions, with the finals scheduled to take place on Sunday (April 10).

The finals will be broadcast live on the World Karate Federation’s YouTube channel here.