If you have recently moved to Dubai you maybe trying to understand why all your friends and colleagues have suddenly become rugby mad and are insisting you come and watch (or even play) rugby at the beginning of December. It’s the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens – a Dubai Institution!
Now in its 45th year the most anticipated event in Dubai’s sporting and social calendar is set to take place from December 4th to December 6th. With massive crowds once again expected to converge on The Sevens Stadium for the tournament tickets are now on sale and spectators are urged to buy their tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
While 16 international men’s teams will battle it out for maximum points in the HSBC Sevens World Series, 12 women teams will battle it our for the IRB Women’s Sevens Challenge Cup. Adding to the excitement will be over 2600 players taking part in the Invitation tournament, where expertise levels vary from social to international. The sections include local teams, veterans, women, and youth. The Invitation Tournament represents the proud history of the Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens, and during three compelling days, all seven pitches at The Sevens stadium are in regular use. The opening day – Thursday – consists of local and international invitation teams in action in the Invitation Tournament. Admission is free for spectators. The IRB Women’s World Series event in Dubai takes place on the Thursday and Friday and the men’s event is held on the Friday and Saturday.
The Dubai Rugby Sevens is always a fantastic weekend of family entertainment. When you can tear yourself away from the rugby (and the Mexican wave!) the Rugby Village will be a hive of activities for all ages including a dedicated kids’ area, interactive games and plenty of food and beverage outlets.
The three-day event will be brought to a close with the famous ‘Rugby Rock‘ concert in the Rugby Village. You can party ’til midnight, and don’t worry about getting home – a free bus service to various key locations in Dubai will get you back safely. The last buses leave at midnight.
Entry for Day One is free of charge. Day tickets for either Friday or Saturday cost Dhs 300, while season tickets for both Friday and Saturday are Dhs 500. This is the cost if you pre-purchase the tickets – on the day is Dhs100 more expensive and usually impossible to get. Children under 12 years of age gain free general admission provided they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is also Corporate Hospitality & Reserved Seating Packages available.
Tickets will be available on-line through www.dubairugby7s.com as well as at the following outlets:
Retail Outlets
The Sevens is located at the intersection of the Dubai-Al Ain Road (E66) and the Jebel Ali-Lahbab Road (E77) – see the map below.
The gates will open at 7.30am. The last match ends at around 9pm on all three days but you’re welcome to stay and socialize at the Rugby Village. The gates will close by midnight. There is ample free parking, you can leave your car there and use the free bus service to get back to one of 5 convenient locations across Dubai. No food & beverage will be allowed into the venue but you can buy stuff there. There are ATM machines at the venue.
