Roger Federer joined by Thierry Henry, Nicolas Anelka, Robert Pires and Eric Abidal in Dubai

Dubai: Roger Federer may not be taking part on the Mudabala World Tennis Championships in Abu Dhabi, but he is in the UAE and has been joined by some famous footballing faces as he trains for the new season in Dubai.

The Swiss tennis ace, who has an apartment in Dubai Marina, was pictured on the court alongside Thierry Henry, Robert Pires, Nicolas Anelka and Eric Abidal on Friday.

Pires posted a picture of the fivesome on his official Instagram account.

Federer has left it to the likes of Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray to play in the Abu Dhabi exhibition tournament.

He starts his season on Sunday at the Brisbane International in Australia.