The move sees the world governing body become the first International Federation to accept an offer from the Dubai Sports Council (DSC) to set up a regional office at their new building in the Emirati nation.

It was formally confirmed at the SportAccord Convention here as a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the FIH and the DSC.

Two representatives from the FIH will be able to base themselves at the DSC headquarters, which they will move into in May, located in the Design District of the city.

They will have access to the facility for up to two-years.

Hockey’s worldwide governing body will join several other sporting organisations in Dubai, including the International Cricket Council, golf’s European Tour and Spanish football’s La Liga.

“Dubai’s world-class sporting facilities, events infrastructure and global connectivity all contribute to the city’s growing reputation as a home for international sport,” FIH President Leandro Negre said.

“For the FIH, deciding to place representatives in Dubai, sitting at the crossroads of the world and at the centre of hockey’s key markets, makes perfect sense and we are grateful to Dubai Sports Council for its kind offer and continued support of the Federation.”

DSC secretary general Saeed Hareb welcomed the FIH to Dubai and said he looks forward to working closely with the organisation to develop and promote sport in the region.

“For Dubai, hospitality is central to everything we do and that makes us the perfect host for any International Federation or governing body looking to set up regional offices and stage annual conferences and meetings," he said.

“As such, we are delighted to welcome FIH into Dubai’s wider sporting family and look forward to hosting their representatives in our new headquarters as we work together to promote sport both in the region and across the globe.”