Rugby home named The Sevens

Dubai: With just over four months to go until the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens, Emirates on Tuesday announced that the event's new venue is to be named 'The Sevens.'

The Sevens, located on the outskirts of Dubai, will also be the venue for the Rugby World Cup Sevens from 5th - 7th March 2009, set to be the biggest sevens event in history. Still under construction, the project is being sponsored by Emirates Airline, along with the support of the Government of Dubai.

The venue will also cater to the popular sports played in the region, including cricket, football, basketball and netball.

Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, said: "Work is progressing well at the new sporting facility and we are very excited to announce that this state of the art venue will be known as 'The Sevens'."

"Both Dubai and Emirates are synonymous with the game of rugby sevens and have been instrumental in the development of the game; so it was felt the venue should reflect this close association," he added.

Greater participation

He also stated that their aim is to "encourage greater participation in rugby and other sports by Arab nationals and that the venue will help foster the development of teams, both here in the UAE and the wider region."

The Sevens will feature a permanent grandstand with 4,000 seats and temporary stands around the structure to cater for up to 40,000 people.

Broadcast and medical facilities and changing rooms also feature in the design as well as a second pitch with a 15,000 capacity, a sports complex, a clubhouse, and four rugby pitches.