Gaelic Football Makes Historic Debut at Emirates Dubai 7s
The Emirates Dubai 7s is set to expand its reach this November 27–29 as Gaelic Football makes its inaugural appearance at The Sevens Stadium. Developed in partnership with the Middle East Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), the sport—a unique hybrid of rugby and football—will transition into a fast-paced seven-a-side format specifically for the festival. With specialized rules like a 30-second half-court transition and no-backward-play requirements, the tournament will feature four distinct categories for both men and women, requiring participants to be affiliated with the Middle East GAA.
Beyond the introduction of Gaelic games, the festival is opening registration for its popular fitness and racket sports events. The WODON3 competition invites mixed teams of four to tackle endurance and strength challenges, with elite finalists earning the rare opportunity to compete in front of 20,000 spectators on Pitch 1. Simultaneously, the Rebound padel tournament returns to the festival across five dedicated courts, catering to everyone from corporate players to seasoned competitors. These additions reinforce the festival's mission to host over 80,000 global fans, providing a unique platform where amateur athletes can showcase their talents alongside world-class entertainment and professional rugby.