This weekend will mark a double celebration for hosts UAE at the 2011 Dubai Sevens.
The United Arab Emirates is celebrating its fortieth anniversary on day one of the second round of the HSBC Sevens World Series on 2 December, and it will also be the first time they have performed at the Dubai Sevens.
The UAE was formed in 2010 following the disbanding of the Arabian Gulf, and one of their national players, Cyrus Homoyaun is looking forward to making history at 7he Sevens.
"It means everything, it is an honour to play for the UAE and especially on national day," said Homoyaun.
"We are coming out to represent the team, we are making history and it is great to be a part of that.
"It is this day 40 years ago that the UAE was born. I will be nervous, but excited to play the top teams and we are going to try and do our best to show we are a team to play against."
The UAE face pool opposition against three core sides this weekend following the draw in Australia last weekend - Samoa, Fiji and Argentina.
Head coach Wayne Marsters is aware of the task ahead of them but is hoping the crowd will now be able to find a new identity with the UAE and give the home team a boost.
Identity
"We are in a very embryonic stage, but it is something that our fan base has been able to grasp," said Marsters on the eve of the tournament.
"We have an identity now, a country identity, and I think that has and will help us a lot.
"It is a big day one, it is the 40th anniversary of the country, national day, so 10:26 against Samoa is going to big for us. We are taking it in our stride and really looking forward to it."
Following the restructure in West Asia, Rugby in the UAE is continually growing and developing, and the 15s side finished third in the 2011 Asian 5 Nations.
Homayoun and Mohammad Rahma are the two Emiratis named in the UAE squad, and Marsters believes this pair will act as role models for the younger generation in the area.
"Rugby has always been strong in the region, most of our players are from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and the UAE is doing a good job of developing the sport.
"We also have two nationals in the squad and that is very important for the make up of the team and the development of the sport.
"They are two role models which young Emirate children can look towards when they run out on to the pitch this weekend."
