The Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens has now reached its 40th year. What was once a small event amongst the British expats living in Dubai has expanded to become a key sporting fixture in the Middle East, with sixteen international Rugby World Sevens teams attending. Fans from around the world will pour into the 5,000 seat, purpose-built Dubai World Sevens grandstand, which saw its first year of action in 2008 when South Africa stormed to victory.

Dubai Sevens tickets are already on sale, and you can book your place for the “Rugby Rock” concert as well, which will act as the finale to the three days of tense rugby matches. Once the rugby is finished, visitors could make the most of December’s slightly less steamy weather by going on a camel trek through the desert or exploring the gold souks and sandy beaches.