Amir Khan has reiterated his desire to fight in the UAE, with the British boxer targeting a glamour bout with Manny Pacquiao in Abu Dhabi.

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Khan has often spoke of his wish to fight in the UAE and earlier this year declared he wanted to take on Pacquiao in Dubai.

That contest never came to fruition, with Pacquiao meeting Floyd Mayweather in the fight of the decade in Las Vegas on May 2, but Khan hasn’t given up hope.

He told Britain’s Daily Mail: “I want this fight. I would love to box Manny. We’ve been looking at an event in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is only a short drive away. It’s a dream of mine to fight in that part of the world.”

Khan revealed similar plans to Sport360° on January 25, before the Pacquaio/Mayweather contest was confirmed, saying: “I’ve been looking at Wembley which would be a great stage for me and Manny, and Abu Dhabi is very much in the running.”

Khan’s Pakistani heritage means he has considerable support in this part of the world and is a regular visitor to Dubai, where he retains close links with local fighter Eisa Al Dah.

The UAE’s substantial Filipino community would also ensure Pacquiao commands huge support.

With Khan taking on American Chris Algieri, who lost to Pacquiao last year, on May 29, his next fight is likely to be between October and December as September is out of the question due to Ramadan potentially affecting preparations.

While Dubai has been the more mentioned destination for a potential large-scale bout down the years, Abu Dhabi is perhaps the more sensible and flexible option due to its stadia. Both Zayed Sports City and Al Jazira’s Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium are in the heart of the city and can accomodate in excess of 40,000 fans.

By contrast, the options in Dubai of the International Cricket Stadium or 7he Sevens are further outside the city.

Although in July 2013, former Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer was in talks to host the Devon Alexander-Khan contest there, with the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Sports Complex mentioned as a possible venue.