In 2008 Emirates Airline, with the support of the Government of Dubai, constructed a new home for the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens.
The venue also hosted the first Rugby World Cup Sevens for men and women, in 2009.
'The Sevens' is located on the outskirts of Dubai and is quickly becoming the new home of rugby in the Middle East.
The venue features a permanent grandstand with 5,000 seats while temporary stands are erected around this permanent structure for each year’s tournament, so increasing the capacity to 50,000.
Hospitality areas, broadcast and medical facilities and changing rooms also feature in the design as well as a 30-metre wide rugby promenade, featuring cafes and food outlets.
Pitch 2 has been constructed in a bowl shape and is enclosed on three sides by a grass embankment, enabling a crowd of 15,000 to enjoy the sporting action, while a nearby sports complex and clubhouse will eventually include provision for tennis, squash, basketball and badminton as well as a gymnasium and swimming pool.
The remaining four rugby pitches are located close to a 80-metre long clubhouse that houses the offices of the Arabian Gulf Rugby Football Union – the governing body of rugby in the region.
The Sevens is about more than just rugby, as a venue will also cater for other popular sports played in the region, including cricket, football, basketball and netball.
Family Stand
While the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens is regarded as one of the biggest party weekends of the year, the award-winning event also offers plenty for families as well.
The Family Stand has enjoyed great success in recent years and the area has a capacity of 2,000 seats available for families wanting to enjoy the rugby together.
Parents and children (up to the age of 12) will be able to watch all the action in a dedicated, alcohol-free area.
