The Team Sky member, who is a five-time Grand Tour winner, says he still needs to recover fully from last week's event in Colombia.
The seven-stage tour gets underway on Monday.
The race starts in Abu Dhabi before ending in Dubai on March 2.
It is the only UCI World Tour race in the Middle East.
This year's inaugural edition will feature 20 teams from around the world.
Police detain organiser of Messi visit after Indian fans rip up seats
Lionel Messi's tour of India kicked off chaotically on Saturday as fans threw objects, ripped up seats and invaded the pitch at Kolkata's Salt Lake stadium after the Argentine soccer great made only a brief appearance at a ticketed event.
Patel dominates as Mumbai take Game 1 of United Series
Karan Patel’s dominant pitching display and a solo home run from Miguel Ojeda Jr. powered the Mumbai Cobras to a 3–1 victory over the Mid East Falcons in Game 1 of the United Series.
UAE though to Arab Cup semi-finals after beating Algeria on penalties
The UAE and Algeria played out a thrilling quarter-final match in the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 on Friday at Al Bayt Stadium in Qatar.
Dubai Basketball claim thrilling win over Bayern Munich in EuroLeague
Dubai Basketball Club continued their strong home run in the EuroLeague, securing a dramatic 89–88 victory over Germany’s Bayern Munich in a Round 15 matchup held on Friday at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.
Salah in Liverpool squad for Brighton match
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has been included in their squad for Saturday's Premier League match at home to Brighton & Hove Albion.
