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.

India win Australia series after fifth T20 is washed out in Brisbane
Norris on pole for Sao Paulo sprint, Piastri third
Sabalenka books WTA Finals title clash with Rybakina
Thrilling start to Dubai Racing Carnival
Aaron Rai, Tommy Fleetwood share halfway lead in Abu Dhabi
