After weeks of speculation, the New York Cosmos have officially announced plans to take their preseason training to Dubai.

And Pelé will be coming along for the ride.

“We are extremely excited about this trip,” Cosmos Chairman Seamus O’Brien said. “This is a fantastic opportunity for our players and coaches to train in world-class facilities and experience the magnificent hospitality of Dubai.”

The 2013 NASL Champions will be spending two weeks training at the UAE Football Associations brand new training complex and are expected to test their mettle against three UAE Arabian Gulf League teams during their stay. It will be the first time the Cosmos — in any — incarnation have traveled to the UAE.

“The coaching staff and players are very much looking forward to this tour,” head coach Giovanni Savarese said. “It’s always good to travel in the offseason to help build camaraderie on the team, but this is a special trip that will help us prepare to defend our NASL championship.”

Last week, team COO Erik Stover was in Dubai presumably finalizing details of the preseason training plans. Emirates Airline is sponsoring the event.

Pelé’s role remains unclear, but will likely serve as an ambassador for the team and the coming World Cup.

The UAE preseason tour follows news of a Cosmos friendly scheduled prior to the start of the NASL Spring season, pitting the Soccer Bowl champions against the University of Virginia on April 5th at Mitchel Field.