The Dubai Rugby Sevens had its 41st annual appearance during the National Day weekend, and I was amazed to find it even bigger and better than last year. I was thinking "been there, done that" but honestly found that I had just as much if not more fun this year, as it is a unique experience being in the middle of the desert with about 50,000 people having a very good time, with plenty of games and costumed characters to watch, food and drink, and fun activities for kids and adults.
While the temperatures continued to hover in the 70's the combination of heat and drink can be too much for some, especially those who start in the morning, and there were undoubtedly a few needing help to get home, but that being said, it was a friendly, well behaved crowd again this year. The police are quick to chase down anyone who runs on the field or otherwise gets out of hand, and there are plenty of buses and taxis to transport people who should not be driving.
Since my husband entertains clients at this event, I act as the designated driver/photographer/refreshment procurer. My hard-earned knowledge of rugby also comes in handy. I explain to anyone who listens how I suffered as a rugby widow for many years while my husband played in college, law school and thereafter for various different teams working his way up the regional ladder until he made the USA National Men's Team (the aptly named Eagles), playing in several international matches including the very first Rugby World Cup in 1987 in Australia. Amazingly, the famous England prop who was Neal's opposite in the USA's match against England way back when, Gareth Chilcott, was also attending the tournament, sitting in spitting distance from our group. Neal chose not to say hello, knowing that the recognition would not be mutual, or perhaps fearing flashbacks (I will not say the score but at least it wasn't a shutout).
The USA team had an incredibly tough draw but made it to the quarterfinals after beating Argentina and Zimbabwe, losing only to defending champs New Zealand in pool play. They then dropped to the plate competition after losing to Samoa, finalists both last year and this, and then lost again to the ultimate plate winner South Africa. England squeaked through pool play with an unexpected loss to Portugal but then solidified their side nicely, managing close wins against Australia, New Zealand, and, in the final match, Samoa, much to the delight of the highly partisan Brit-loving crowd. The orange and yellow kit worn by the English team was a bit offputting to their fans, who fancy the traditional white jerseys with red cross, but no one was complaining about that at the end!
The wide open expanse of the desert makes it easy for helicopters to fly in and out next to the stadium. I was thinking that there must be a lot of serious injuries until I realized that this was the preferred method of transport for certain VIPs. When a plane buzzed out of nowhere to swoop down inside the stadium as part of the evening show, however, it was a bit scary because it was headed into the endzone stand if it stalled. Six parachute artists also swooped in making pin point landings on the field. Those guys must make a good living as they always seem to be part of the big shows in town.
The stadium has a makeshift feel, looking like temporary stands with unpaved parking lots for the most part, and may have seen its last tournament if new digs are built for next year. I wouldn't mind a bit if it stays the way it is--more concrete and paved roads won't make it better. The open air nature of the venue allows lots of interesting vendors to roll in their displays, including a new feature this year, the "Extra Cold Freezer". This is a portable two-story bar with patio, air-conditioned so the inside temperature is at least 10 degrees Celsius colder than outside, with beer served at close to freezing. A little different from the "ice clubs" that are now catching on in London and Dubai where the furniture is made of ice and customers are given parkas to put on (Dubai's new club is called "Chillout"). The Extra Cold Freezer doesn't have anything frozen inside except the beer and keeps the temperature warmer so people will be able to stay inside longer. The challenge for their marketing will probably be finding places that will allow them to set up, since most places serving alcohol need special licensing. While I was intrigued enough to want to visit the E.C.F., I was unfortunately turned away as it was only open to VIP ticket holders.
Since the final wasn't over until 10:00 pm with a long drive home to follow, we were grateful to the ruler for declaring the next day a holiday as part of National Day celebrations. Maybe next year we'll get the whole week off for the UAE's 40th/Dubai Rugby Sevens'42nd birthday!
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