The Grand Prix is to return after every event last season either cancelled or postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dubai is set to host the first of seven events planned for this season, all of which will act as qualifiers for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. 

More than 600 Para athletes from 63 countries are confirmed for the four-day competition at the Dubai Club for People of Determination, part of the UAE’s Fazza International Athletics Championships.

Teams from Uzbekistan and Chile have already been training in the Emirate for the past month, with the former country bringing 39 Para-athletes. 

The Kenyan team boasts 69 members, while France will be represented by 41 Para-athletes. 

A 48-strong team will represent the hosts, including Paralympic medallists Mohammed Al Hammadi, Sara Al Senaani and Noura Alktebi.

Al Hammadi will be aiming to repeat his performance at the 2019 World Para Athletics Championships in Dubai, which included a gold in the men's 800 metres T34 event.

Al Senaani is set to feature in the women's shot put F33, while Noura Alktebi will compete in the women's shot put F32.

Safety measures will be in place to mitigate the risks posed by COVID-19, including the sanitisation of the stadium and seating areas, polymerase chain reaction tests, and teams checking on the use of face masks and social distancing. 

"After a difficult last year, we are happy to host the 2021 edition of the Fazza Championships," said Fazza International Athletics Championships chair Thani Juma Berregad.

"The event is also a testament that Dubai is ready to host successful competitions and welcome athletes from all over the world. 

"The health and safety of the visiting teams are our priority and Dubai has always taken the precautionary measures. 

"This time also we are following all the measures and happy to see the numbers of teams coming here.

"I wish them luck in the Championships."

Fazza International Athletics Championships director Majid Al-Usaimi added organisers were ready for the "challenge" of hosting the event during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This Championships is very special to me," he said. 

"And this year it has come with some challenges. 

"This year’s event will enter the history of UAE and the Dubai Club as this will open the Para-sport season following a year of no competition due to the pandemic. 

"And we are ready for the challenge."

The World Para Athletics Grand Prix will run until Saturday (February 13).