Gulf Rugby FAQs

Are you interested in playing rugby in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or anywhere else in the United Arab Emirates? If the answer’s YES, then stick around as we’ve got all your questions answered below. If there is a question you need answering about playing rugby in Dubai then give us a shout and we’ll answer it for you.

All You Need To Know About Playing Rugby In The UAE

Q: How old do you have to be to play rugby in Dubai?

There is no age limit for playing rugby in Dubai.You can pick a rugby ball up a join one of the many training sessions held around the country, but to play in any senior competitive rugby match you will need to be over 18 years of age. Rugby Union training classes start from as young as two years of age. Players well in to their fifties are still making the odd appearance in social rugby club fixtures too.

Q: Do you play rugby on sand pitches in the desert?

Rugby in the Gulf has come on a long way over the past ten years. All of the matches played in any of the domestic leagues for men, women and children are played on grass pitches these days with some being of exceptional quality surfaces. The last remaining sand rugby pitch was the home ground for the then RAK Goats (now RAK Rugby).

Q: Do rugby players get paid to play rugby in the UAE?

No, at the moment there are no rugby clubs offering financial contracts to play rugby in the UAE. The level of rugby here is still very much played as an amateur sport.

Q: How can I find a rugby club in Dubai?

Dubai is the main city for rugby in the UAE and has nine rugby clubs all playing competitive rugby at various levels. You can find a rugby club in Dubai here. You can choose from the following rugby clubs that are situated within Dubai: Barrelhouse, Dragons, Exiles, Hurricanes, KnightsEagles, Shaheen, Sharks, Tigers, Warriors.

Q: How can I find a rugby club in Abu Dhabi?

Abu Dhabi, although the capital of the UAE only has three official rugby clubs that compete in the domestic Gulf leagues. You can find a rugby club in Abu Dhabi here or choose from the following: Al Ain Amblers, Harlequins, Saracens.

Q: How can I find a rugby club in Sharjah?

There is only one rugby club situated in the Emirate of Sharjah and they are the Sharjah Wanderers RFC. One of the oldest rugby clubs n the region.

Q: How can I find a rugby club in Ras Al Khaimah?

There is only one rugby club situated in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and they are RAK Rugby club, also once known as the Rak Goats.

Q: How much does it cost to play rugby in the UAE?

To play rugby for any of the local rugby clubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah or Ras Al Khaimah you will need to pay club fees and have full medical insurance. Club fees vary with some clubs including medical insurance within their package. Fees last for one season at a time and are renewed every new season.

Q: Can I play for a team if I am visiting the United Arab Emirates?

You can only play rugby in the UAE you need to be have a residents visa and have an Emirates ID or have an application in progress. Without the official ID and appropriate visa, you will not be eligible to play rugby in the UAE. Tourist visa’s are not accepted.

Q: Who is in charge of Gulf Rugby?

The UAE Rugby Federation (UAERF) are the governing body for all rugby within the UAE and are one of the Member Unions of World Rugby. The UAERF contract Gulf Rugby Management (GRM) to oversee the day to day running of all the rugby leagues and competitions that are played within the UAE. GRM are situated over at The Sevens Stadium where the Dubai Sevens Rugby event takes place each year.

Q: Where can I go to watch a rugby match?

There are very few rugby clubs in the region that have their own official grounds and club house. Rugby matches in Dubai are played at one of the following venues: Jebel Ali Centre Of Excellence, Dubai Sports City, Dubai College and finally, The Sevens Stadium. If you want to attend a rugby match in Abu Dhabi, you can visit, Zayed Sports City Stadium, Al Ghazal Golf Club and the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club. To watch a rugby fixture in Sharjah, you can go to Sharjah Wanderers Sports Club. Finally to watch a rugby match in Ras Al Khaimah you can visit Al Hamra Golf Club.

Q: Can you drink alcohol at a rugby match in the UAE?

Within the confines of certain locations around the UAE you can drink alcohol during a rugby match. The following locations have alcohol being served during a game: Dubai Sports City Rugby Park, The Sevens Stadium, Al Ain Rugby Club, Al Ghazal Golf Club, Zayed Sports City, Sharjah Wanderers Sports Club, Jebel Ali Center of Excellence and Al Hamra Golf Club.