- South Africa men and Australia women take home gold at the 2023 Emirates Dubai 7s, the first leg of the HSBC SVNS Series
- Over 80,000 people attended the festival and enjoyed a wide range of experiences, from sporting action to music, entertainment and family activities
- Co-headliners Becky Hill and MK wowed the crowd with energetic performances and their record smashing hits
- Massive crowds gathered to watch UK sensations Artful Dodger and DJ Luck and MC Neat perform on the Beats on 2 stage
The much-anticipated Emirates Dubai 7s kicked off on Friday, 1st December and concluded its 53rd edition with resounding success on Sunday, 3rd December, cementing its position as an unforgettable multi-faceted festival, blending sport, music, and family fun.
In an electrifying start to the HSBC SVNS Series, 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.
Three days of non-stop rugby fun ended on a high note as the Emirates Dubai 7s served as a platform for cultural exchange and unity, while fostering connections among diverse communities united by a shared love of sport. 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 impressive 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, 2nd 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.
Speaking on the incredible success of the event, Mathew Tait, Festival Director of Emirates Dubai 7s, said: “The Emirates Dubai 7s has once again proven to be a unifying force, bringing together people from across the world through the shared love of sport and the universal language of music. The outstanding performances on the pitch, the exceptional music across our four iconic stages, and the joyous laughter in our expanded Kids Zone have created a collective experience that surpassed previous years. We look forward to organising an even bigger and better event in 2024, promising to bring more excitement and unforgettable experiences to audiences of all ages.
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 added even more excitement to the expansive sporting schedule with 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.