This will be the first time that Fujairah, located on the east coast of the United Arab Emirates, will host the competition after it was re-located from Dubai. 

More than 300 athletes from 55 countries are expected to compete in the event, with the League limited to a maximum of 32 competitors per category.

Those in the top-32 of the World Karate Federation world ranking were given a preference to register.

The competition will use a round-robin system for the first time during the eliminations, with the belief this will improve athletes' performance and competitive interest.

Under the previous method, 50 per cent of participants were eliminated following their first bout.

Tomorrow and Saturday (February 19) will see the eliminations take centre stage.

After the round-robin phase, the knockout phase will begin for the quarter-finals, semi-finals and medal matches on Sunday (February 20). 

Four more legs of the Karate 1-Premier League are due to follow Fujairah with the capital cities of Morocco, Portugal, Russia, and Azerbaijan set to host the WKF's flagship competition.