Fast, furious, and with just as much passion and entertainment as its bigger brother, the Dubai Rugby Sevens is becoming one of the most popular team spectator sports on the circuit. Smaller teams (seven instead of the usual 15) battle in a flurry of excitement over three intense, thrilling days at The Sevens Stadium.
Where is it held?
The Sevens Stadium, which has been specially designed to give everyone the best seats in the house, is right along the Dubai Al-Ain Road (the E66). Thanks to its location, it is straightforward to get to from any direction. Premier Inn Dubai Silicon Oasis is the closest hotel to The Sevens Stadium, so you’ll have no trouble getting to the stadium in plenty of time to catch all the action.
The Dubai Rugby Sevens is a three-day sporting event that includes a real carnival atmosphere. It’s designed to be 100% family-friendly, so no matter how young or old you are, there’s something for everyone. In fact, under-12s get in free all weekend, making it a great choice if you’ve got a sports-mad family and want to see one of the most spectacular events of the season on a budget!
There’s no chance of missing any of the action, either, as no fewer than 300 teams take part in the Invitation Tournament every year. From local teams playing their first high-profile game to international sides representing their countries, the standard of rugby across the weekend is second to none.
Away from the pitch
Need a break from the action? The event also includes a host of entertainment options, starting with the Arabic-inspired opening ceremony, which features dancers, musicians, and even fire breathers who will be thrilling the crowds with an exhibition of eyebrow-defying fire breathing! Fancy dress is definitely encouraged, and you can even win prizes for the most imaginative and best efforts. As the action heats up on the pitch, cheerleaders will keep everyone singing and dancing, ensuring morale is at a constant high.
There are a huge number of choices for when the family gets a bit peckish in-between matches: the Rugby Village provides everything you need from drinks and on-the-go snacks to meals and corporate hospitality. There are also some great games for the children to keep them entertained and active. Don’t forget to bring your swimming costume, too, as the new Splash’n’Party aqua-park will keep everyone cool all weekend. If the kids want to keep playing but the grown-ups want to go and watch the rugby then there are fully supervised kids clubs.
Staying in Dubai
Premier Inn Dubai Silicon Oasis is the closest hotel to the The Sevens Stadium, making it the first choice for location! Premier Inn Dubai International Airport and Premier Inn Ibn Battuta also offer a budget-friendly stay during the weekend, whilst Premier Inn Dubai Investments Park will play host to Bali Legends, who will be competing in the Invitation Tournament.
Premier Inn hotels provide you with comfortable rooms with en-suite bathrooms, restaurants where you can tuck into a delicious meal, and extra facilities such as a fitness centre and swimming pools (if all that rugby action inspires you to kick-start your own fitness regime).
The Dubai Rugby Sevens takes place from the 29th November to 1st December (inclusive) 2018 and is one of the most eagerly anticipated sporting events in Dubai every year. You can book online or by calling the Sevens Stadium direct. With over 15,000 parking spaces, there’s plenty of room for you if you want to hire a car to get around, or talk to your reception or concierge service at your Premier Inn hotel to find out about shuttle buses and taxi services.