No player - man or woman - has managed to retain their Dubai crown in the event's 10-year history, and Mauresmo faces a monumental challenge with the likes of Grand Slam winners Venus Williams and Jennifer Capriati standing in her way.
Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, said: "Amelie showed us last year exactly why she is now recognised as one of the best players in the world. She was a very popular winner and we are delighted that she will be back to defend her crown next month."
Since beating Sandrine Testud in last year's final, the 23-year-old went on to add the Canadian Open title to her impressive list of achievements, defeating Capriati in straight sets along the way.
She also stopped Capriati in her tracks to reach the semifinals at Wimbledon, and repeated the feat at the U.S. Open, becoming only the fourth player to reach the semifinals of both Grand Slams while ranked outside of the world's top four. She finished the year ranked six in the world.
The former World junior champion has also claimed career victories over Martina Hingis and Lindsay Davenport, and demonstrated a heart of gold in 2000 when she donated her doubles prize money from the Italian Open to a child who had been severely injured in a car accident.
She now faces a new career challenge - to go undefeated at the Dubai Duty Free Women's Open for two straight years.
