World number one Roger Federer defeated unseeded Russian Mikhail Youzhny 6-4 6-3 to win his fourth Dubai Open title in five years.
It was also the top seed's 41st consecutive win, stretching back to the start of the US Open in August, equalling the record of Swede Bjorn Borg who witnessed the feat.
'It feels very nice,' said Federer. 'The matches were extremely tough here this week. I thought all my opponents played very well against me, so to come through as I did against Mikhail tonight, I think that's to be rated very high.'
Youzhny, who upset Spanish title holder Rafael Nadal in the quarter-finals, was seeking his second crown in two weeks after winning in Rotterdam but he could not prevent Federer claiming his seventh straight title.
The Swiss had started slowly several times during the week and did so again in the final, dropping his serve in the opening game when Youzhny hit a winning return off a second serve.
But Federer held his second service game with an ace and then levelled at 2-2 when Youzhny hit a double-fault.
As both players mixed floating shots with occasional power, Federer broke to take a 5-3 lead when Youzhny netted a backhand.
Although Federer failed to serve out the set, Youzhny dropped his serve for a third time when he netted a backhand approach.
Federer then took advantage of his deflated opponent by allowing the Russian just three points in the opening three games of the second set.
Federer went on to hold a multitude of break points, failing to win four at 4-1 and then five match points on Youzhny's serve at 5-2, before clinching victory on his seventh match point.
