News - 2011

Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens Remains City's Favourite Sports Event

DUBAI, UAE - The Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens has once again been voted the city's top sports event. The three-day festival claimed an incredible eighth What's On Award last night, having been voted Dubai's Favourite Sporting Event by the public.

Launched in 2001, the What's On Awards recognise achievement in the entertainment and hospitality industries. In the last 10 years, over two million people have cast their votes for their favourite events, concerts, restaurants, bars, clubs and festivals - and the fantastic entertainment and sporting action on offer at the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens ensured it has remained a firm favourite among Dubai residents.

Voting is conducted by the public, with all votes independently counted and audited by Jacobsons Direct Marketing Services and then counter-verified by a special panel of impartial industry experts. What sets the awards apart are the people who vote - the What's On Awards are, and will, remain the people's choice awards.

"We are honoured to get this vote of confidence from the public for an eighth year," said Gary Chapman, President Emirates Group Services & dnata. "It gives us great satisfaction that the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens remains as popular as ever with the people of the UAE. With only a few days to go until this year's tournament, it is a fitting tribute to all the hard work that goes into the organisation of an event of this magnitude.

"We have no doubt that the 2011 event will be even better than before, with some spectacular rugby action and all kinds of family entertainment on offer," added Chapman. "There is always a wonderful festive buzz at 7he Sevens stadium, with the crowds getting in the party mood from the moment they arrive until the Rugby Rock concert brings the curtain down at the end of each day."

The weekend has something on offer for everyone, including a rugby village area filled with activities for kids, a dedicated family stand, and free entry for children under 12.

Tickets to this weekend's Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens are still available online through www.dubairugby7s.com and from selected Costa and MMI outlets, Virgin Megastores, selected Eppco stations, Emirates headquarters, dnata offices and 7he Sevens stadium.

As in previous years, numerous buses will be on duty to transport fans from 7he Sevens, back to various convenient locations across Dubai, free of charge. These locations include: Dubai Media City, Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City (family drop-off points), Barasti, Nezesaussi (Old Town), Irish Village, Chi @ The Lodge and more. Buses will start from 5pm on December 1stand 6pm on December 2nd-3rdand will run on a continuous loop until 12 midnight.