Adam Scott heads the field, the world number eight returning to the scene of his 2002 victory - the second of the Australian's five European Tour triumphs.
Coming off the back of a top 25 finish in last week's Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, Scott will be attempting to become the first player to win the tournament more than once.
And, although he is now more attuned to life on the PGA Tour, the 27-year-old certainly seems keen to once again forge the "strong bond" he has with the Tour on which he made his name.
"It has been a long time since I won back in 2002 and a lot has happened to me since then but I am delighted to now be heading back to Qatar," Scott told www.europeantour.com.
"The European Tour gave me a chance when I was a young kid turning professional and they extended a lot of invitations to me. Luckily I was able to take advantage of them and became a member of the Tour before playing in America - so there is a very strong bond there for me.
"It would be very poor of me to forget what The European Tour did for me. That is why I am trying to make the effort to get back over here this year and certainly in the lead up to next year.
"It is not just because I want to support The European Tour, I think it is healthy for my game as well. I see myself as a global player and it is good to get back to my roots."
