The event in the United Arab Emirates was formed as part of a merger between the existing Dubai and Abu Dhabi Tour races.

Both races were known for having different characteristics, with the Dubai Tour largely dominated by sprinters.

Italy's Elia Viviani emerged as the winner last year having claimed two stages.

The Abu Dhabi Tour has largely been won by cyclists who thrive on climbs, with Colombia's Esteban Chaves, Portugal's Rui Costa and Spain's Alejandro Valverde among its winners.

The latter, the reigning world champion, will be among the starters for the UAE Tour.

"The UAE Tour is an important race," said Valverde, who looks set to head Movistar's challenge.

"It was already important here before but now, with the Dubai Tour and the Abu Dhabi Tour being united, it makes it an even more attractive event with two mountain stages and a demanding finale.

"I feel good and the organisation is great.

"I'm very happy to be here."

A 16 kilometre team time trial will open the race tomorrow, before a mix of sprint and climbing stages.

Colombian sprinter Fernando Gaviria believes the event will carry added significance for his UAE Team Emirates team.

They will hope to impress at the event, which is seen as their home race.

"This is one of the most important races for us at UAE Team Emirates and for our sponsors," Gaviria said.

"We came with climbers and Alexander Kristoff and myself for the sprints.

"The team time trial is not really good for us, but we'll try to lose very little time on day one and win the sprints and general classification."

The International Cycling Union WorldTour race will take place until March 2.