Ian Thorpe left Sydney for Abu Dhabi yesterday aboard his sponsor Virgin Blue's first flight out to the Emirates.

Since announcing his comeback three weeks ago, he has been training beside his future rival Aussie swimmers.

Thorpe said they are faster than him at the moment and was very aware he will need to make some major improvements.

But he could see incremental improvements and is happy with the way he's been training since announcing his comeback.

Who will coach Thorpe for the London 2012 Olympics remains a mystery.