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.
Arsenal must improve defensively despite win over Wolves, says Arteta
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta let rip at his players following their 2-1 Premier League home win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, saying their "horrible defensive habits" made the margin of victory narrower than it should have been.
Dubai Capitals secures thrilling nine-run victory over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
The Dubai Capitals fended off the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders to secure a nine-run victory at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
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.
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has arrived in Cyprus on an official visit.
Several parts of the UAE have been hit with rainfall of varying intensities on Sunday morning, with the Dubai Police issuing public safety messages via SMS to urge residents to exercise caution.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has awarded Palestinian architect Dr Suad Amiry with the Great Arab Minds title for her work in preserving architectural heritage.
