UAE Rugby

Rugby in the UAE has grown significantly, supported by the expat communities and the Player Pathway Programme (PPP), a recognised sports programme launched back in 2011 by the General Authority of Sport (GAS) and the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC).

The sport first gained traction in the 1970s with the rise of the expat population, particularly from rugby-playing nations like the UK, South Africa, and Australia. Over the years, it has transformed into a well-organised sporting community, largely overseen by the UAE Rugby Federation (UAERF), which was established in 2009 to regulate and promote the sport at all levels.

One of the key drivers of rugby’s growth in the UAE has been the Dubai Rugby Sevens, an annual event that started in 1970. It has since become one of the largest and most anticipated sporting events in the region, attracting international teams and fans from around the globe. The tournament is a significant part of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series and draws thousands of spectators each year, making it a highlight on the UAE’s sports calendar.

Below you will find frequently asked questions about rugby in the UAE, including teams, leagues, and opportunities for players looking to join a club and learn more about rugby.

The History of UAE Rugby

Governed by the Arabian Gulf Rugby Football Union (AGRFU), which was formed in 1974 under the RFU umbrella, regional competitions were held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Many people still think rugby is played on sand pitches, but that isn’t the case anymore and rugby fields, certainly in Dubai, meet a very high standard.

In 2009 the UAE Minister of Culture and Youth and Community Development and the Chairman of the Government of Youth and Sports decreed the formation of the board of directors of the UAE Rugby Association.

Since then the UAE Rugby Association, was responsible of developing and growing the game in the United Arab Emirates, It was awarded Full Membership status of the Asian Rugby Football Union on June 2011 and was then upgraded by the Government of Youth and Sports to UAE Rugby Federation in October 2012 after it has shown its commitment in developing and growing the game in the United Arab Emirates.

The UAE Rugby Federation was then awarded a Full Membership status of the then International Rugby Board, now known as World Rugby, in November 2012 which is the highest recognition that a Union could be awarded by the International Governing Body.

Today, UAE Rugby boasts thriving men’s and women’s rugby scenes, with both local Emirati and expat players contributing to its success.

Do they play rugby in the Middle East?

Yes, rugby is played in the Middle East, with the UAE Rugby Premiership being the top domestic competition within the United Arab Emirates. The Premiership includes some of the UAE’s top rugby teams, such as the Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Dubai Exiles, Jebel Ali Dragons, Dubai Hurricanes, and recently promoted Dubai Sharks. These clubs have become well-known in the regional rugby scene, providing competitive opportunities for both men’s and women’s teams.

Beyond the UAE, the West Asia Premiership (now called West Asia Super Rugby) brings together leading teams from across the Middle East, including Bahrain RFC and Doha RFC.

These teams regularly compete with UAE clubs, creating a strong cross-border rugby competition that helps elevate the standard of play in the region. The combination of local leagues and regional competitions like the West Asia Premiership ensures that rugby remains a vibrant and growing sport here in the Middle East.

Does The UAE Have A Rugby Team?

The UAE Rugby team competes internationally, primarily in the Asia Rugby Championship. Formed after the dissolution of the Arabian Gulf Rugby Football Union in 2011, the UAE now fields national teams for men, women, and youth at international level. These teams participate in both the traditional 15-a-side and the fast-paced 7-a-side formats of the game.

The men’s national team has steadily improved, largely made up of expat players, but with increasing local representation. They compete in international tournaments like the Asia Rugby Championship, continuing to rise in the World Rugby rankings where they currently rank number 51 in the world.

The women’s national team has also gained momentum, participating in regional competitions, particularly in the 7-a-side version, where they’ve been able to develop a strong presence. Youth rugby is also a priority, with the UAE fielding youth teams to develop the next generation of talent, participating in both 7s and 15s formats at regional levels.

With the support of the UAE Rugby Federation, the country is expanding its rugby footprint across all levels, from youth to senior national teams.

Is There Rugby in Dubai?

Actively played at various levels, there are teams competing in the UAE Premiership, UAE Division 1, and UAE Division 2. In the Premiership, notable clubs include the Dubai Exiles, Jebel Ali Dragons, Dubai Hurricanes, and Dubai Sharks, which represent the highest level of competition in the country. These clubs offer rugby opportunities for both men’s and women’s teams and consistently compete in the top domestic UAE rugby league.

In the UAE Division 1 and Division 2 leagues, clubs provide additional playing opportunities, catering to a broader range of skill levels and experience. These divisions ensure that rugby is accessible to both competitive and social players.

Dubai offers rugby for all ages, from tag rugby for grassroots to vets rugby for older players who want to continue playing the sport socially. The city’s rugby community is diverse, with various clubs and leagues accommodating everyone from beginners to experienced athletes.

Where is rugby most played?

Rugby Union is most commonly played in countries like the UK, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa, where the sport has a long-standing tradition and a strong professional infrastructure. These nations are known for producing world-class teams and players who dominate both the 15-a-side and 7-a-side versions of the game.

In the UAE, rugby has seen significant growth, especially in the past decade, with UAE Womens rugby emerging as a key area of development. Over the last 10 years, the UAE Rugby Federation has taken active steps to promote the sport among women, resulting in increased participation at both the grassroots and competitive levels.This rise in popularity reflects a broader global trend, as women’s rugby continues to grow worldwide.

Do They Play Rugby In Qatar?

In the neighbouring country of Qatar, similar to playing rugby in Dubai, the sport is being driven primarily by expatriates. The biggest rugby club in Qatar, Doha RFC, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, marking a significant milestone in the region’s rugby history. Doha RFC has been instrumental in promoting the sport, offering competitive rugby for both men’s and women’s teams.

Though smaller in scale compared to the UAE, Qatar’s rugby scene is steadily growing, with local clubs and schools now introducing rugby at various levels. The club regularly competes in the top flight West Asia Super Rugby Premiership.

Do they play rugby in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia is still developing their rugby, but it has seen rapid growth in recent years. Riyadh Rugby, in particular, has experienced a significant expansion, becoming one of the leading clubs in the country. This growth has contributed to increased participation in regional matches, including some UAE rugby fixtures when they hosted the annual Arab Rugby Sevens Men’s Championship in 2024, helping Saudi Arabia strengthen its presence in the regional rugby scene.

Although the sport is still in its early stages in Saudi Arabia, clubs like Riyadh Rugby are laying the groundwork for a more established rugby culture, with efforts focused on introducing rugby to schools and universities to build a sustainable future for the sport.

Can You Get Paid To Play Rugby In Dubai?

Professional rugby in the UAE is still in its infancy, with the majority of clubs operating at an amateur level. However, there are some semi-professional opportunities emerging, particularly in the West Asia Premiership. While most clubs in the UAE Division 1 and UAE Division 2 play amateur rugby, a few Premiership clubs are beginning to offer paid coaching roles to more experienced players. These roles provide compensation to help elevate the standard of play, focusing on player development and club growth.

Full-time professional rugby is still rare in the UAE, but as the sport continues to grow, more semi-professional opportunities may arise, especially for players who bring coaching or managerial expertise alongside their playing skills.

How many rugby clubs are there in Dubai?

Dubai has a strong rugby presence, with 10 UAE rugby clubs affiliated with the UAE Rugby Federation (UAERF). These clubs compete at various levels, from grassroots to Premiership, offering opportunities for both male and female players. Notable clubs like the Dubai Exiles, Jebel Ali Dragons, Dubai Hurricanes and the Dubai Sharks play in the UAE Premiership, while others cater to different levels of competition, including social and youth rugby.

However, running a rugby club in Dubai comes with significant financial challenges, and over the years, several clubs have folded due to the rising costs. Clubs such as the Dubai Wasps, The Beaver Nomads, The KnightsEagles, and the Dubai Falcons were once part of the local rugby scene but have since disbanded. Despite these closures, the remaining clubs continue to thrive, supported by a dedicated community of players and supporters.

Where Is Dubai 7s?

The Dubai Rugby Sevens is held at The Sevens Stadium, a world-class facility located on the outskirts of Dubai. Built specifically for rugby, the stadium has hosted the Dubai Sevens since its inception in 1999. The venue features eight grass pitches and is the home ground for both the Dubai Exiles and Dubai Hurricanes rugby clubs, as well as the UAE national rugby team.

The Sevens Stadium has a capacity to accommodate large crowds, making it an ideal venue for major rugby events. It is the home for key international matches, including the Autumn International Series in which the UAE will play against Germany and Zimbabwe. The stadium also recently hosted the home fixtures for the UAE Rugby team players in the Asia Rugby Championship, competing against Malaysia and Korea.

Each year, the stadium plays host to the Emirates Dubai 7s, the first stop on the newly revamped HSBC SVNS series for the 2024-2025 season. This event attracts thousands of fans from all over the world to watch the top 12 international sevens teams compete. Since 1999, the Dubai Sevens has been a cornerstone of international rugby, bringing together the best teams and setting the stage for exciting competition year after year.

How to play rugby in Dubai?

Rugby union is one of the oldest team sports in the world and originated in England in the early 19th century. The game involves two teams of 15 players each, aiming to score points by carrying, passing, or kicking the ball into the opposing team’s goal area. To succeed in rugby, players must develop skills such as tackling, passing, running, and strategic thinking. The sport demands physical strength, endurance, and teamwork.

The basic rules of rugby include advancing the ball by running or passing backward while defending teams attempt to stop the ball carrier through tackles. Points are scored through tries, conversions, penalties, and drop goals. It’s a fast-paced game that requires players to be adaptable and disciplined.

If you’re interested in playing rugby in Dubai, the first step is to find a local club that suits your level and age group. Clubs will provide training and matches for both men’s and women’s teams, as well as mini and youth rugby. Many of these clubs cater to players of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced athletes.

To play rugby in Dubai, there are certain requirements to consider:

1. Proper insurance: Most rugby clubs in Dubai require players to have medical insurance that covers injuries related to contact sports.
2. Residency visa: To join a club, you must have a valid UAE residency visa.
3. Rugby boots and mouthguard: Players must have proper rugby boots with studs suitable for grass pitches, as well as a mouthguard for safety during games and training.

For those looking to join a team, you can visit our full list of Dubai rugby teams to find the right fit for you.

Rugby in the UAE is expanding, supported by both domestic leagues and international events. Whether you’re interested in playing or watching, Dubai and the UAE offer numerous opportunities to engage with the sport. To get involved, explore local clubs or attend one of the many rugby events happening throughout the year.