The 2016 Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens kicks off this weekend at the Sevens Stadium and is set to be the largest event to-date with Olympic sporting heroes on the pitches.

The HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series and the largest Invitation Tournament will descend on the Sevens Stadium starting on Thursday 1st December at the sporting and social event of the year.

Speaking at the pre-tournament Press Conference today, Boutros Boutros, divisional senior vice president, Corporate Communications, Marketing & Brand for the Emirates Group, said: “Now in its 47th year, the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens has seen phenomenal growth in terms of participation from teams and spectators. We are proud that it has become the biggest and most popular sporting event on the Dubai calendar. We are looking forward to another successful event as we continue to make this a bigger and better experience each year.”

Philippe Bourdarias, World Rugby general manager, Competitions said: “Following on from the extraordinary success of the Olympic Games in Rio, the world will be watching Dubai this weekend as we enter the next Olympic cycle and prepare for Tokyo 2020.

“The atmosphere in the Sevens Stadium is always fantastic and I have no doubt that the men’s and women’s teams will thrill fans over the coming days as we further showcase our sport.”
    
Qais Al Dhalai, secretary general, Asia Rugby and UAE Rugby Federation said: “UAE Rugby is especially looking forward to this year’s edition of the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens. Our long-term focus follows the Olympics’ value of gender inclusion, and the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak - wife of the late His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - and Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum ‎- the wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum - and their commitment to a country-wide directive of empowering females in all aspects of life. We are therefore thrilled that the final of the first ever Asia Rugby Under 18 girls 7's tournament will be played on Friday afternoon (at the Sevens), where UAE Rugby’s first all-Emirati U18 girls team will be endeavouring to earn their place, following a two-day tournament in the days leading up to the event, in this final. We hope to see a great turn out to support our girls.”

The Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens will see 324 teams, 937 matches and a staggering 4,866 players for all fans and supporters to enjoy over the three-day festival – record-breaking numbers for 2016.

Not only is this an opportunity to showcase some of the best rugby action in the world, but a weekend of great entertainment awaits everyone. From the Teen Zones, the Sabba 7s Club, fantastic entertainment on pitch 1 and huge bands playing Friday and Saturday, there will be something for everyone. A free bus service is available to family drop-off points throughout Dubai operating from 6pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Entrance to Thursday’s action is completely free and will include international action on pitch 1 with the launch of the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series and the Invitation Tournament.

The organisers are encouraging ticket purchase in advance, saving money in the process. Taking place 1-3 December at The Sevens Stadium, excited fans can purchase their tickets online at www.dubairugby7s.com or at Emirates Group Headquarters, dnata Travel Stores, Go Sport and Park n Shop.

Ticket Prices (general admission) are:
• Thursday - Free Admission
• December 2 - in advance Dh300 ($81.6), on the day Dh400 ($400)
• December 3 - in advance Dh300, on the day Dh400
• Season Tickets (Friday and Saturday) - in advance Dh500 ($136), on the day Dh600 ($163.3)
• Children under 12 admitted free.
• Special reserved seating and hospitality packages are available - please visit: www.dubairugby7s.com

In a special offer this year, Emirates Skywards Members can redeem tickets for the event using their Miles; members should visit the Sports and Culture section of Skywards at www.emirates.com to avail this offer. - TradeArabia News Service