Tiger Woods [Images] has confirmed he will play in the Dubai Desert Classic early next year, organisers said on Tuesday.

The 2006 Classic champion is still working out his 2008 schedule but has already committed to play in Dubai at the Emirates Golf Club from January 31 to February 3.

Woods, who first appeared in the Desert Classic in 2001, finished tied for third in the 2007 edition of the European Tour event, two shots adrift of eventual winner Henrik Stenson of Sweden, despite poor putting.

"Well, that's one of the worst putting weeks I have had in a long time. Very frustrating," said the world number one.

"I always enjoy visiting Dubai -- it's an extremely hospitable place. The level of competition is always extremely high, so I know I'll have to play my best golf if I'm going to defend my title," he was quoted as saying on the Web site of organisers Golf in Dubai (www.golfindubai.org).

Woods and his design company are currently developing a 7,800-yard, par-72 course called Al Ruwaya in Dubailand, the region's largest tourism and leisure project.

The news of Woods returning to Dubai for the Desert Classic, a $2.4 million European Tour event, comes soon after the emirate announced plans to stage the world's richest tournament in 2009.

The inaugural $10 million Dubai World Championship, featuring the top 60 players on the European Tour, will be held at one of the two courses being designed by Greg Norman.

The winner will take home $1.66 million, plus another $2 million for a top place finish in the Race to Dubai, formerly the European Tour Order of Merit.