Emirates Dubai 7s 2025: Explosive Start to the SVNS Season in Dubai
Rugby 7s will be back to The Sevens Stadium in Dubai from 28th – 30th November bringing world‑class rugby action and festival vibes to the UAE.
As is tradition it will be held at the end of November to synchronise with UAE National Day celebrations.
Venue & Festival Atmosphere
Located at Ūd al‑Bayḑāʾ, The Sevens Stadium is purpose‑built for rugby sevens and equipped to host tens of thousands of spectators
The event blends elite sport with entertainment, including live music acts, DJs, and participatory events like netball, fitness and cricket tournaments, creating one of the most dynamic sports festivals in the Middle East.
Sporting Highlights
At the 2024 Dubai leg (first round of 2025 Series), the men’s competition was won by Fiji, overcoming Spain 19‑5 in the final, marking Fiji’s first tournament win in Dubai since 2016. Argentina claimed bronze with a 14‑0 victory over New Zealand.
On the women’s side, Australia emerged champions in a nail‑biting final, defeating New Zealand 28‑24. Australia’s Maddison Levi set a new tournament try‑scoring record in the process. France claimed the bronze in the women’s bracket.
Team Performances & Standings
All 24 core teams from the 2024‑25 SVNS season advanced directly to the next leg in Cape Town, with series standings already beginning to take shape after Dubai. Canada’s women finished 8th overall in Dubai, with notable individual performances hinting at potential in Cape Town
What’s Ahead
The Dubai tournament serves as the critical launchpad for the season, setting the tone ahead of subsequent stops in Cape Town, Perth, Vancouver, Hong Kong, and Singapore, culminating in the high‑stakes World Championship Grand Final in Los Angeles (3–4 May 2025)
Why It Matters
As the first leg of the SVNS series, Dubai is crucial for teams looking to establish momentum early. The combination of fast-paced rugby, passionate fans, and an engaging festival atmosphere ensures the Dubai 7s stands out not just as a sporting event, but as a global celebration of sport, entertainment, and community.
🏉 The Sevens Stadium – A Venue Like No Other
Located in Ūd al‑Baydāʾ, Dubai, The Sevens Stadium is a purpose-built sports complex primarily known as the home of the Emirates Dubai Rugby 7s. Situated at the strategic junction of the Dubai‑Al Ain Road (E66) and the Jebel Ali‑Lahbab Road (E77). It’s just a 30‑minute drive from either Dubai International or Al Maktoum airports.
Venue Highlights & Layout
- Capacity: Approximately 44,000–50,000 spectators during major events, supported by ample parking for around 15,000 vehicles
- Facilities: The complex includes eight rugby/football pitches, six cricket fields, four netball/tennis courts, a basketball court, and a grandstand, all floodlit to support evening matches and events
- Multipurpose Venue: Beyond rugby, the venue hosts cricket tournaments, netball, Aussie rules football, concerts, fitness expos, and more making it one of the most versatile sports and entertainment spaces in the UAE
Festival Atmosphere & Onsite Experience
From the images, you’ll get a real sense of the buzz and scale:
- Fans filling the stands under floodlights as the sun sets (Image 1 & 4).
- Live events such as the Emirates Airline A380 flyover, bringing added spectacle to match-days
- Festive zones, crowd activations, and music alongside the sports pitches create the dynamic festival vibe the Dubai 7s is known for—combining sport, entertainment, and community fun.
