European number one Ernie Els on Wednesday said he would go head-to-head with Tiger Woods at the Dubai Desert Classic at the Emirates Golf Club from March 4-7.

"With Els and Woods in the line-up I think it's safe to say that the tournament will be the biggest and best in its 15-year history," Mohammed Ali Alabbar, chairman of the organising committee, said on Wednesday.

For world number three Els, it is a return to familiar territory. He is the only man to have won two Desert Classic titles (1994 and 2002) and holds the course record with a 61.

"I think everyone knows I love playing in Dubai," Els was quoted as saying by the organisers. "I like the lines off the tees and the greens are quite soft so if you get your ball up, you can shoot some good scores."

Winner of three Majors (one British Open and two U.S. Opens) and the 2003 PGA European Tour Order of Merit, Els looked on course to claim a third Dubai crown last March until a brilliant final round 65 by journeyman Dutchman Robert Jan Derksen ended his chances.