Rugby December 17, 2024

Emirates Dubai 7s 2024: Celebrating the Best of Global Sevens Rugby in the UAE

Another year at Emirates Dubai 7s brought yet another spectacular display of global rugby sevens, a top sporting event in the UAE that continues to grow in stature as each successive edition unfolds. The opening leg of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, held at the Sevens Stadium in Dubai, is a coveted win for every participating team, ensuring the best possible start to their season. It always delivers a riveting weekend of high-energy rugby.

If you missed out this year, stay in touch with Expat Sport to ensure your place at the Sevens Stadium in 2025.

A Look Back at the Action

The Emirates Dubai 7s 2024 was no different in showcasing top-tier rugby sevens, the toutnament will be remembered for its remarkable displays of skill, tactical intelligence, and determination to win. Unforgettable moments included sublime cut-out passes, extraordinary offloads, precision tackles and blistering pace.

Fearless first-time finalists Spain were defeated by Fiji 17-5 in the men’s final, ending a thirty-month, 21-tournament title drought for Fiji. Spain took a 5-0 lead after two minutes through star player Pol Pla, but Fiji responded with three unanswered tries. Filipe Sauturaga, later named Player of the Final, scored the first, with captain Jerry Matana and Ilikimi Torosi touching down in the second half. The Fijian team exhibited great strength of character and calm resilience, making a powerful statement on their return to the top.

Meanwhile, Australia’s women’s team triumphed over their long-term rivals, New Zealand, 28-24, to secure their fifth consecutive Dubai Sevens title. The victory was sealed by a brilliantly read interception from Maddison Levi, the women’s sevens player of the year, who scored a breathtaking 90-meter try, highlighting her exceptional athleticism and game intelligence.

In the 3rd Place Play-Off Final, Argentina beat New Zealand 14-0. The Pumas were in top form throughout, beating Australia 22-20 in the quarter-finals. Although the eventual tournament winners, Fiji, emerged victorious in a highly entertaining, high-scoring semi-final, which ended 43-21 in favor of Fiji, both teams were a testimony to sevens rugby as one of the premier spectator sports in the world.

Rugby sevens fans are guaranteed to return in force for Emirates Dubai 7s 2025, so make sure to secure your place with ES Sport.

Emirates Dubai 7s Invitational

While the HSBC SVNS World Series is its centrepiece, the Emirates Dubai 7s represents much more than first-class sevens rugby in isolation; it has evolved into a rapidly expanding ‘Sports and Entertainment Festival’. The 2024 Emirates Dubai 7s Invitational made it the largest festival ever in terms of participants across an impressive array of different sports, including:

248 Rugby teams across 16 tournaments

90 Netball teams spread over 6 tournaments

32 Cricket teams in 2 tournaments

200 WODON3 participants in 4 categories

232 ‘Rebound’ Padel players in 5 categories

In terms of remarkable sports statistics, netball tournament entries leapt to an amazing 90 teams this year, 27 up from 2023’s turnout.”

Emirates Dubai 7s 2024 the Final Analysis

The post-tournament entertainment was nothing short of superb, with headliners Stormzy and the Sugababes electrifying the crowd. The fantastic festival atmosphere was further enhanced by a variety of activities, including a T-Rex race, cricket matches featuring international stars, and fitness challenges, making the event a phenomenal all-around experience for fans and players alike.

This year’s tournament not only celebrated the fierce competitiveness and sportsmanship of the competing teams but also demonstrated the global appeal of rugby sevens. Fans from around the world were treated to high-intensity matches and stunning displays of supernatural rugby talent, making the Emirates Dubai 7s 2024 edition a memorable and exhilarating experience for all involved. It genuinely sticks in the mind as a truly unforgettable event littered with special performances both on and off the pitch. Now we look forward full of enthusiasm to next year.

Join ES Sport to get the best out of your Emirates Dubai 7s 2025 experience.