Essex will travel to the Middle East to prepare for the new season. The county's first-team squad will take part in a 10-day tour of Dubai and Abu Dhabi starting this weekend.
Director of Cricket Alan Lilley said: "We would not have been training outdoors in England so it will help to be outside in a warm climate."
"Our aim is to get promotion in the County Championship and continue to excel in the one-dayers, so we hope this tour will prepare us well."