Test cricket comes to the Persian Gulf

And he also revealed to BBC Sport Online that Sharjah would not attempt to make a profit from hosting Pakistan's home series with the West Indies.

Bukhatir explained: "We were approached by Pakistan to host the two nations. The West Indies felt uncomfortable about going to Pakistan and we were more than willing to co-operate.

"We are glad to help fulfil the ICC calendar. We have got the facilities all in place but it will be Pakistan who organise everything.

"Of course we have our own groundsman but Pakistan will send their own groundsman too and all the other officials will be provided by the ICC."

History

Bukhatir set up the Cricketers Benefit Fund Series (CBFS) in 1981. Its main aim was to honour cricketers of past and present generations from India and Pakistan who were invited to play exhibition cricket in the UAE.

Over the years, cricket has developed to the extent that there is now a regular annual triangular tournament, and other assorted one-day internationals.

Bukhatir will do everything in his power to make a success of the inaugural Test in the Middle East.

"We will help promote the series in the newspapers and whatever revenue is available, it will go to Pakistan, provided we can cover our expenses."

As it happens, he is more a fan of one-day cricket than Test matches. But he did not rule out the possibility of the five-day game being an instant success in the Emirates.

Pakistan win the Sharjah Cup in 1990

"The UAE is a cricket-loving nation and they will definitely enjoy the experience of five-day Test matches, although I cannot predict how many people will come.

"In one-day cricket, people come to expect a result, maybe some of them won't feel the same excitement about watching Tests."

Sharjah has staged 181 one-day internationals in its 28,000-seater stadium, far more than any other first-class venue.

Bukhatir is confident that Sharjah's two alternating pitches are comfortably capable of holding two five-day Tests and three one-day internationals without breaking up unduly.

"We have frequently had cricket here for a seven-day tournament and none of the pitches have ever shown wear and tear.

No cracking

"Our wickets are turning wickets but we have treated them in such a way that they do not crack up."

The series will be only the third to be played at a neutral venue in Test cricket's 126-year history.

A full schedule has not yet been announced but the two sides are due to arrive in the UAE on 25 January.

The pathway to Test cricket being held in Sharjah was sealed when the ICC in October approved that any series hit by international unrest could be played on neautral soil.

Bukhatir said that if the series is a success, he would like to see Sharjah considered again for Test cricket, though ideally not in circumstances where world conflicts dictated the need for a replacement venue.