Kittel took the race leader’s Blue Jersey thanks to victory in a bunch sprint in the fourth and final stage, crossing the line first in Business Bay after 137km of racing.
He fended off the challenge of Team Sky’s Elia Viviani in second and last year’s winner Mark Cavendish, of Dimension Data, in third.
“I’m really, really happy. I was dreaming about this moment. I really wanted this,” said Kittel moments after his victory.
“My team was fantastic all day and we did an incredible job to beat all the other teams, staying calm and attacking at the right moment. It’s a great way to finish the Dubai Tour and my first race with Etixx – Quick Step.
“There wasn’t any major tactic to stop Nizzolo – we just said it’s all or nothing and fully concentrated on the final sprint. Our entire plan was centred on that goal. We hoped it would happen like this and it’s amazing.”
Receiving the Circle of Stars winner’s trophy from HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Kittel said that he hoped his win in Dubai would provide the perfect impetus for more success this season.
“I’m incredibly proud to start 2016 like this. This win in Dubai is a perfect base to start the season,” he added.
