The Emirates Dubai 7s kicked off on Friday, December 1, and concluded its 53rd edition with resounding success on Sunday, December 3, cementing its position as an unforgettable multi-faceted festival blending sport, music, and family fun.
The event brought together 24 of the best rugby 7s nations to Dubai for an exciting tournament which saw South Africa defeat the spirited Argentina 12-7 in the men’s event, while the Australian women’s team overcame their arch rivals 26-19 to end New Zealand’s winning streak of 41 matches.
Over the course of the festival, the event welcomed over 80,000 fans and festival goers to The Sevens Stadium to cheer on their favourite teams from around the world and enjoy a wide range of entertainment, music, F&B and family experiences.
The music line up saw Double Brits Award winner Becky Hill and acclaimed record producer and DJ, MK, set the Frequency on 8 stage ablaze on Saturday, 2 December. In addition to electrifying live music sets across Rugby Rocks, Heineken Tavern, Beats on 2, UK legends DJ Luck & MC Neat and Artful Dodger also captivated audiences with their iconic UK Garage sounds.
Alongside the rugby 7s action on Pitch 1 and 2, the festival featured a wide range of invitational tournaments, attracting more than 5,000 athletes across 16 rugby tournaments, 6 netball competitions, 3 cricket and the WODON3 fitness tournaments.
New to this year’s festival was Rebound Padel at the Emirates Dubai 7s, which saw a large number of athletes participating in the first-of-its-kind tournament. The festival also offered Rugby, Netball, and Cricket masterclasses led by former and current sports stars and Emirates Dubai 7s ambassadors, providing unique learning opportunities for aspiring athletes of all ages.
The expanded Kids Zone delighted families with a range of activities, including a full-sized carousel, inflatable areas, Disney sing-along shows, dress-up stations, and a dedicated teen hub. Meanwhile, attendees also enjoyed a selection of F&B offerings including Pret A Manger, Costa Coffee, Giraffe Sport Shack, Pickl, Gino’s Deli, and Wingstop, in addition to the newly added Prosecco Lounge and The Shaded Garden.
For the latest news and updates on the 2024 edition, please visit https://dubairugby7s.com or @dubai7s on Instagram.