The Finals, featuring only the world's top eight ranked players, are due to be held in Dubai for the next four years as part of a lucrative contract in which there is a total prize pool of $1 million (£625,000/€789.000).

Chen, the London 2012 bronze medal winner who beat Malaysian world number one Lee Chong Wei to secure a maiden world title in Copenhagen in August, visited iconic landmarks, including the Burj Khalifa, and met with schoolchildren and budding players.

He also visited the Hamdan Sports Complex, where the event is scheduled to take place from December 17 to 21.

Chen Long also visited the iconic Burj Khalifa building during his visit ©BWF



"The top badminton players definitely regard Dubai as a wonderful place to compete, and we are all looking forward to the event," the 25-year-old told insidethegames afterwards.

"I have only been in the Middle East once, in Doha for the Asian Games in 2006, being in Dubai is absolutely a new adventure for me.

"Dubai is like an amazing exciting vacation place that we all want to visit so we are happy to play here, and it'd good to bring the event to another part of the world, and the venue is amazing.

"I am happy to see the growth of the sport here, this event will do a lot for the development of badminton in the Middle East, seeing the best players in action will get people motivated to get involved.

"I really liked the engagement with the children this morning, I like to see kids trying badminton and enjoying it."

Chen Long was beaten by Dan Lin in the Asian Games final but has since won the Denmark Open ©AFP/Getty Images



Chen, winner of the 2012 World Superseries Finals in Shenzhen, failed to qualify for the event last year.

He has enjoyed a mixed time since his World Championship success, losing to compatriot Dan Lin in the Asian Games Final in Incheon before hitting back to claim the Denmark Open title earlier this month.

He currently lies in second position on the BWF Destination Dubai rankings and appears virtually guaranteed to make the cut, although he is taking nothing for granted.

"There are three Opens left so I hope I can get enough points to compete," he told insidethegames.

"I am looking forward to the event, it doesn't matter if I win or lose, the most important thing for me is to do my best and show the best of me.

"I am very excited about the event."

With world number one Lee Chong Wei, leader of the Destination Dubai rankings, has reportedly failed failed a doping test, meaning Chen could soon be top of the rankings.

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