The Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens is one of the coolest events on the Dubai calendar and is super-popular for good reason. 

This year’s event is no exception, with plenty of fun to be had, special guests, amazing performances and loads more – all happening at the custom-built Sevens Stadium. 

Here are a few things you need to know ahead of this year’s extravaganza. 

1. It’s on the National Day long-weekend

Which makes it super handy, and loads of fun. 

On Thursday November 30, it’s FREE entry, and the fun really gets going on Friday December 1, and Saturday December 2. 

Everyone is in a great mood, the weather is good and it’s the perfect time to get out and about. 

2. The Rugby Village is an absolute riot 

The Rugby Village is where plenty of the fun happens, with the revamped, new Sabaa 7s Club, which is home to children’s entertainment including interactive games, challenges, and a bouncy castle provided by The Toy Store and Hallmark. It’s bigger and better than ever and, it is FREE entertainment for kids under 12. 

There are plenty of delicious food trucks and pop-ups at the new and improved food village, to get your fill when you’re hungry too, and there’s even karaoke (heck yes!), competitions, meet and greets with rugby legends and plenty more – all weekend long. 

3. There’s LOADS of sports to watch

Some people occasionally overlook the fact that this is a sporting event, but it’s great fun to sit in the grandstands and cheer on the teams. 

There are men’s and women’s leagues to get behind and support throughout the weekend. 

PLUS it’s not just the HSBC World Rugby Sevens series, there will be a whopping 250 rugby teams playing (and keep an eye out for those rugby legends on all eight pitches), and 50 netball teams battling it out in the Invitation Tournament! 

For the rugby, there will be 16 international teams for the men’s league, and 12 teams for women’s flying in for the event – and some of the teams even played at the last Olympics! 

You can cheer on your teams all weekend long – for netball and rugby – last year South Africa shot to victory and it was a scintillating game to watch, followed by a heart-warming ceremony and fireworks. 

4. Everyone dresses up

Seriously, everyone does. 

And you can dress up however you like, it’s all in good fun. 

There have been some absolutely cracking feats of creativity in past years, and it’s loads of fun.

The more colourful and creative – the better!

5. It’s basically one of the best weekends of the year

It’s a hugely popular weekend in Dubai for good reason. There’s loads of entertaining performances, live music, pop-ups, great food and of course fun sport to watch. 

Everyone comes out in force to support their team, and dress up donning the colours so do NOT miss out on Dubai’s loudest, proudest, longest and funnest weekends! 

6. There’s Reserved Seating 

For the VIPs (and aspiring VIPs) you can opt for a new Reserved Seating option which means you’ll not have to worry about losing your seat, all weekend long and you will have the best seats in the house of all the action!  

For AED800 per person (with a minimum of two seats), for TWO days, you can come and go as you please from the Reserved Seating stand – AND will have your very own F&B village!

Book your Reserved Seating here.

7. Tickets are on sale now – so don’t miss out

As said earlier – Thursday’s entry is free. And you can get your tickets to Friday for AED300 and Saturday for AED300 in advance, or AED400 per day on the door. 

BUT if you get the season ticket, it’s AED500 in advance which will save you cash. 

Kids under 12 years of age can enter for free. 

Get your tickets on PlatinumList.