World No2 Gaultier has won the prestigious tournament, which brings together only the top eight players in the world together for a week of high-octane action, on two previous occasions and was delighted to see the World Series Finals return to the calendar this year after a two-year absence.

“To have the court there sitting beside the Burj Khalifa is amazing and the pictures that came out recently are incredible and I can’t wait to be there,” said Gaultier, who competes in the final PSA World Series tournament of the season, the El Gouna International, which starts today in Egypt.

“I’ve never been to Dubai before so I’m excited to be going and competing. I’ll be bringing my family there and I think it will be an amazing week,” said Gaultier.

“It’s great for squash to have a tournament in Dubai, it’s something I think we’ve all wanted for a few years, and I have lots of friends who will be coming. I’m looking forward to seeing what it is like for real.”

Gaultier last won the event when it was staged in London in 2012 and is looking forward to competing against the very best players from the off in what he says is a tournament like no other.

Having already secured his place in the finals as one of four players alongside Mohamed Elshorbagy, Nick Matthew and Omar Mosaad, the 33-year-old will also be looking forward to competing in El Gouna in a tournament that will be the last chance for many players to stake their claim for one of four remaining qualifying places.

“I’ve played and won the finals a few times before,” he said. “It’s a fantastic tournament and it’s intense from the first match.

“You play the best players form the first day so it’s very explosive and with it being best of three you have to be ready from the very first point. Anybody can go through the pool I think because the competition is so open.”