Dubai builds new venue for 7’s World Cup 2009
Emirates Airline, with the support of the Government of Dubai, is currently in the process of building Dubai’s new venue for Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 the new venue will be called The Sevens. The stadium will be about more than just rugby, as a venue it will also cater for the popular sports played in the region, including cricket, football, basketball and netball.
The Sevens
The Sevens, located on the outskirts of Dubai, will also be the venue for the opening IRB Sevens World Series event of the 2008-09 season.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, said: (quote)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. It is our aim that The Sevens will 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.(end quote)
The Sevens will feature a permanent grandstand with 4,000 seats and temporary stands will be erected around this permanent structure to cater for up to 40,000 people. Hospitality areas, broadcast and medical facilities and changing rooms also feature in the design as well as a 30-metre wide rugby promenade, featuring cafes and food outlets.
The second pitch will be in a bowl and enclosed on three sides by a grass embankment enabling a crowd of 15,000 to enjoy the sporting action or possibly even concerts, while a nearby sports complex and clubhouse will include provision for tennis, squash, basketball and badminton as well as a gymnasium and swimming pool. The remaining four rugby pitches will be located close to a two-storey 80-metre long clubhouse that will feature the offices of the Arabian Gulf Rugby Football Union,the governing body of rugby in the region.
cindy staniford said,
August 17, 2008 @ 4:47 pm
I would be most grateful if someone could let me know exactly where ‘The Sevens’ venue is in Dubai. Cannot seem to find it on any map or find anything that gives an indication where it is so that I can organise booking accommodation for the World Cup next year.
Thanking you in anticipation
Cindy Staniford
Peter said,
August 18, 2008 @ 11:52 am
Hi Cindy,
Dubai is the city in the United Arab Emirates and the stadium will be on the outskirts of the city so anywhere that suits you should do.
Hope this helps.