It’s official - the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens remains the city’s favourite sports event after the three-day festival of fun claimed an incredible seventh What’s On Award recently, voted Dubai’s number one sports event by the public.

Once again, the Dubai event will be the first in the new HSBC Sevens World Series, which goes on to visit another seven nations over six months.

Launched in 2001, the What’s On Awards recognise achievement in the entertainment and hospitality industries. In the last eight years, nearly two million people have cast their votes for their favourite events - concerts, restaurants, bars, clubs and festivals – and the great entertainment and sporting action on offer at the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens ensured it has remained a firm favourite among Dubai residents.

The What’s On Awards are the people’s choice awards, all votes independently counted and audited by Jacobsons Direct Marketing Services and then counter-verified by a special panel of impartial industry experts.

“It is a great honour to get this vote of confidence from the public for the seventh year,” said Gary Chapman, President Group Services and Dnata, Emirates Group.

“We are proud the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens remains as popular as ever and have no doubt this year’s tournament will be even better, with all kinds of family entertainment on offer.

“There is always a wonderful festive atmosphere, with the crowds in the party mood from the moment they arrive until the Rugby Rock concert brings the curtain down. Of course, the rugby itself is world class as the world's best at the Sevens game go head to head.”

The weekend has something for everyone, including a rugby village area filled with activities for kids, a dedicated family stand, and free entry for children under 12.

Organisers continue to ensure great value for money with the price of admission remaining unchanged for the third year.

Tickets up for grabs

Tickets for the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens, which takes place at 7he Sevens ground from 2-4 December, are still available online through www.dubairugby7s.com and by calling Ticketline on 800 4669 (international clients can call +971 4 4443459). Other outlets in the UAE where tickets are available include:

•       Costa outlets: Mall of the Emirates, JBR, Dubai Mall (Galleria & Ice Rink), Mirdif City Centre, Arabian Ranches, Festival City (Atrium & Square), Al Wahda Mall (Abu Dhabi)
•       MMI outlets*: Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta Mall, Al Wasl Rd, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Motor City, Al Hamra Cellar (RAK)
•       Virgin Megastore: Abu Dhabi Mall, Mercato Mall, Burjuman, Deira City Centre, Mirdif City Centre, Mall of the Emirates and Jumeirah Beach Residence
•       Spinneys: Umm Suqeim
•       Emirates headquarters
•       Dnata Travel Centre on Sheikh Zayed Rd
•       The Sevens
•       ITP Publishing Group Building (Building Number 14), Dubai Media City
•       Sharjah Wanderers Sports Club
•       Palm Sports Resort Al Ain

Video: Dubai Highlights 2009