Hold onto your fancy dress outfits, the biggest sporting weekend in Dubai is upon us once more.
Now in its 46th year, the Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens has become a spectacular three-day event, attracting seasoned pros as well as new fans from across the world to the highlight of the region’s social calendar.
Taking place this year from December 3-5, over 10,000 people are expected to attend one of Dubai’s most popular sporting events.
While the Rugby Sevens is essentially a smaller version of the traditional 15-a-side format – many of the rules are the same – it is undoubtedly a faster, more powerful and more skillful version. And we think that makes it far more entertaining.
Not really a rugby fan? Have no fear. As with most sporting events in Dubai, as much action takes place off the field of play as it does on it.
A short walk from either of the two pitches and you’ll find fun competitions, games for children, numerous food and beverage outlets and chill out areas that allow you to take a load off and enjoy the atmosphere.
Family
The Sevens is a very family-friendly event – there are 2,000 seats dedicated solely to parents and their children as well as the Sabaa 7s Club for kids, and a professional crèche and the all-new Teen Zone.
There is also a crèche, face painting and entertainment on hand to distract the little one while you watch your favourite team.
What to Wear
If you’re a secret fan of fancy dress and often find yourself disappointed at the lack of opportunities in Dubai to showcase what you can do with a piece of cloth from Satwa, then the Sevens weekend is tailor-made (poor pun) for you.
Expect to see people dressed up as anything and everything from movie characters to farm animals to kitchen utensils to unusual professions and throwbacks to previous eras of style. Simply put: fancy dress and the Rugby Sevens go hand-in-hand.
The Rules
Rugby can look confusing to the untrained eye. So, if you find yourself wondering why a group of men, or women, are chasing an egg-shaped ball around a field and jumping into one another, then these few tips should help.
– There are seven players per team and each half lasts seven minutes
– The ball must always be passed backwards
– A try (five points) is awarded when a team manages to place the ball beyond their opposition’s try line
– The scoring team will then attempt to kick the ball through the posts – for another two points
– The teams compete in three-man scrums, often if someone drops the ball forwards
– Players get a two-minute ‘sin bin’ for a yellow card
– Five minutes of extra time is played if the game ends in a tie – not uncommon in this format
The Important Stuff
Tickets
Day passes for Thursday are free. Dhs300 for Friday or Saturday per head in advance – Dhs400 on the day. If you love the Friday though (and we think you will) then go for a weekend pass for Dhs500 and head back for a second day.
Where
The Se7ens Stadium is located about half an hours drive outside of Dubai. Take the Al Ain Road and go past the Outlet Mall until you see the signposts. Most people will opt to get a taxi there, which given the plethora of thirst-quenching beverages on offer during the day, not to mention the inevitable traffic when leaving, is probably a good idea. Free return shuttle buses run from 6pm, going to Media City, Festival City, Barasti and Bidi Bondi.
Money
Food and drinks are paid for with tokens that you buy once you’re inside. There are ATMs on site but we advise bringing cash to avoid the horrendous queues.
So now you know the rules, what to wear and where to be, hurry up and get your ticket. It will undoubtedly be one of the weekends you’ll reminisce over and over until it all happens again next year. #Dubai7s
Image: Getty
