The Emirates Dubai 7s returns once again for an energetic weekend filled with rugby, live music, family-friendly activities, food and entertainment. Taking place over the National Day weekend from Friday to Sunday, the festival is widely known as one of the UAE’s most anticipated annual sporting and lifestyle events. Whether you are a dedicated rugby supporter, a music lover or a family looking for a fun and memorable day out, the Dubai 7s offers something for everyone. This guide explores all the major details including ticket options, performer lineups, rugby match timings, family zones, food choices and transportation options to help visitors plan ahead.
Tickets and Prices
Visitors can choose between full weekend passes or single-day tickets depending on the amount of time they want to spend at the festival. The three-day general admission pass is priced from Dhs595 per person. This ticket provides access to the entire festival from Friday through Sunday, making it a convenient option for guests who want to experience every match, performance and activity.
Families, especially those attending with young children, can benefit from the three-day family pass. This package costs Dhs1,136 and includes access for two adults and two children. It provides exceptional value for families planning to enjoy multiple days of entertainment without needing to purchase individual passes.
Day passes are available for Saturday and Sunday at Dhs455. These two days usually attract the largest crowds because they feature major musical performances and many of the key rugby matches. For visitors seeking a quieter and more family-friendly setting, Friday day passes are available for only Dhs75. This makes Friday the most affordable entry option, ideal for families who want to enjoy the activities without the large weekend crowds.
Ticket options are designed to accommodate different budgets, schedules and preferences, ensuring the festival remains accessible to all types of visitors.
Performers and Entertainment
Although rugby remains at the heart of the Emirates Dubai 7s, the festival has developed into a full-scale entertainment and lifestyle event. This year’s festival showcases an impressive lineup of international performers across three major stages, creating a dynamic environment filled with music and energy.
Saturday is expected to be one of the biggest entertainment days of the weekend. The Main Stage will host well-known artists such as Tinie Tempah, Shaggy and Sean Paul. Their performances are anticipated to draw large crowds and bring high-energy music to the festival grounds.
On Sunday, the Beats On 2 Stage will feature DJ EZ, one of the most respected DJs in the electronic and garage music scene. Later in the evening, the Frequency on 8 Stage will present a final closing set by international DJ Fisher. His upbeat and signature sound is expected to deliver an exciting finale to the festival weekend.
Throughout all three days, festivalgoers can enjoy a variety of musical styles ranging from pop and hip-hop to electronic and dance music. The event includes multiple entertainment zones and DJ booths, offering a seamless flow of performances. For families, a dedicated children’s zone ensures that younger visitors have access to safe and fun activities throughout the festival.
Rugby Schedule
The Emirates Dubai 7s remains a celebrated event in the rugby world, hosting international teams and delivering action-packed matches year after year. The schedule features both women’s and men’s divisions, offering fans a full weekend of competitive and thrilling sports action.
On Saturday, women’s matches begin at 10.58am and continue throughout the day until the final match at 6.11pm. The men’s division begins slightly later, starting at 12.26pm with games running until 8.34pm. Fans can expect intense competition as teams battle for early momentum and positioning.
Sunday continues the excitement with early women’s matches starting at 10.48am. The finals are scheduled for 7.35pm, where the best-performing teams of the weekend will compete for the title. In the men’s division, matches begin at 11.32am, with the finals set for 8.11pm. These final matches are often the highlight of the weekend, drawing loud and enthusiastic crowds who gather to support their favourite teams.
The rugby schedule ensures that sports fans have constant action to enjoy over the two-day period, combining high-speed gameplay, strategic teamwork and electrifying energy throughout the stadium.
Family Friday
Friday at the Emirates Dubai 7s is entirely dedicated to families. The festival opens from 10am to 6pm, creating a relaxed environment suitable for parents and children. Because Friday is less crowded, it provides families with the opportunity to explore every activity at a comfortable pace.
The festival features three dedicated kids’ zones offering a variety of age-friendly activities. Children can participate in supervised sporting masterclasses designed to help them develop new skills in a fun and supportive environment. There is also a soft play tent, ideal for toddlers and younger children who need a safe and quiet play space.
Families can enjoy a unique experience at the outdoor cinema, where children can watch family films in a comfortable open-air setting. The outdoor kids’ zone includes activities such as games, inflatables and creative play areas. These activities run throughout the day, allowing families to spend as much time as they wish at each location.
Family Friday is designed to be a low-pressure, enjoyable and interactive day, perfect for parents seeking a wholesome and safe outdoor experience for their children.
Getting There
The Emirates Dubai 7s offers multiple convenient transportation options to ensure visitors can easily reach the venue and return home safely. Several transportation companies are offering discounts throughout the weekend.
Zofeur is providing chauffeur-driven rides with generous savings. First-time users can apply the code SEVENS50 to receive a 50 percent discount, while existing users can use the code SEVENS10 to receive 10 percent off their ride. Careem users can also enjoy savings with a 20 percent discount on four rides using the code ED2025.
A free shuttle service is available for guests who prefer not to drive. The shuttles run from Friday to Sunday between 7pm and 1.30am, departing every 15 minutes. They connect the festival to several popular areas including DMCC Metro JLT, Sports City, Studio City, Financial Centre Metro DIFC and Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium. This service makes it easy for visitors to travel without worrying about parking or traffic congestion.
Food and Drinks
Food is an essential part of any festival experience, and the Emirates Dubai 7s offers a diverse selection of food and drink vendors to keep guests well-fed throughout the weekend. Vendors include popular names such as Papa Johns, Spinneys, Pickl, Lekker Meat Shop, Barakat, Boost and Acai Spot. These options ensure visitors can find a wide variety of meals, snacks and beverages at any time during the festival.
Whether someone is craving fast food, healthy bowls, fresh juices or sweet treats, the festival layout includes food stalls placed across the venue to make access easy and convenient. Families and groups can enjoy dining together without having to leave the festival grounds or miss any major entertainment moments.
What to Expect This Weekend
The Emirates Dubai 7s is a combination of sport, music, family-friendly fun and festive energy. Visitors can expect a vibrant mix of live entertainment, thrilling rugby matches, interactive activities and delicious food. Whether attending with friends, family or on your own, the event promises something memorable for everyone.
With an exciting performer lineup, a complete rugby schedule, discounted transport options and a range of food choices, the Dubai 7s is set to deliver an unforgettable weekend experience. Comfortable clothing, good hydration and early arrival are recommended to ensure the best possible experience across the three-day festival.
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