Goffin will be making his tournament debut and has a close head-to-head record against the French world No12, who owns a slender 3-2 lead over his Belgian pal.

The pair will be spending some time in the UAE preparing for the new season prior to the Abu Dhabi showpiece that takes place from December 29-31 before the official ATP campaign begins on January 2.

“The players have always talked about this tournament being a great season starter, and it’s something I’ve wanted to take part in for a while. I’m looking forward to experiencing it first hand and against some of the best players in the world,” said Goffin, who has had a stellar 2016 that ended with him taking part in the ATP World Tour Finals as an alternate.

“Jo sent me a text from the official draw which he attended in Abu Dhabi – it was picture of the match schedule showing us drawn together. He’s great, fun to play with and watch, so I hope fans come out to enjoy the game with us in Abu Dhabi.”

Many are excited to see Goffin play in the tournament for the first time, including some young players who recently took part in the Mubadala Community Cup, a tournament which supports the growth of up-and-coming talent in the region each year.

Semi-finalist in the boys 14-and-under category, Anurag Reddy, said: “I watch the Mubadala World Tennis Championship every year and I’m really excited to watch David Goffin on centre court as it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. I like his style of play and I cannot wait to watch him live – hopefully I will get to meet him in the Tennis Village too.”

The action in the Tennis Village kicks off before the first ball is hit on day one, which promises to be a star-studded affair.

World No1 Andy Murray and 14-time grand slam champion Rafael Nadal will both be giving tennis coaching clinics, free for everyone to view, with Murray and Milos Raonic also on hand to sign autographs for eager fans during the day. Tomas Berdych rounds off the six-player field.