The 32 year-old, the world number one in the men's under-75 kilograms kumite competition, claimed his fifth world title at the 2016 World Championships in the Austrian city of Linz.

In his three Karate 1-Premier League appearances last season, Aghayev claimed two bronze medals and one gold, with his sole victory coming in Dubai. 

Over 900 competitors from 77 countries have been registered to compete this weekend, which will take place until Sunday (April 2).

Following his victories at the World Championships and in the first two Karate 1-Premier League events of the season, Japan’s Ryutaro Araga will be aiming to continue his good form.

Araga's dominance in the men's under-84kg kumite category has seen him not lose a bout in just under two years.

His victory in Rotterdam earlier this month was his eighth Karate 1-Premier League gold medal.

With two Karate 1-Premier League victories from two events this year, Sadriddin Saymatov of Uzbekistan has been one of the biggest surprises of the season so far.

The 19-year-old was victorious in the men’s under-60kg event in Paris and Rotterdam with wins over Malaysia’s Senthilkumaran Selvarajoo and Latvia’s Kalvis Kalnins respectively.

Japan's Ayumi Uekusa will attempt to claim her second consecutive gold medal in the Premier League this year.

The reigning world champion secured the title in the women’s kumite over-68kg division earlier this month in Rotterdam.

Iran have sent the largest delegation to Dubai with 114 competitors, followed by Russia and Turkey with 62 and 52 athletes respectively. 

Action is due to begin tomorrow with the men's and women's individual and team kata competitions while the men's under-60kg, men's under 67kg and women's under-50kg kumite competitions will also take place.