DUBAI, 1st October, 2015 (WAM) -- Tickets for the sporting and social event of the year are now on sale as the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens will take place from 3rd - 5th December at The Sevens Stadium, and with over 100,000 fans and 4,000 players expected, this year is set to be the biggest action-packed rugby festival Dubai has ever seen.

Now approaching its 46th year, the long-awaited three-day annual rugby event will attract the world?s best players as excitement for the Rio Olympic Games continues, which will see Sevens being contested for the very first time. An array of top-of-the-range international players will participate in this year?s tournament in a bid to realise their Olympic dream next year.

As part of the celebrations, a range of new and exciting concepts will be on offer at the festival to ensure the greatest three-day event to date. The Invitation Tournament will see action on all eight pitches with a record-breaking 250-plus teams taking part. The first ever Invitation Netball Tournament will launch, with 32 teams competing for the Netball trophy and 750 players from all over the Gulf showing off their skills on the Netball courts.

On-pitch entertainment will make sure that everyone is in the party mood with music, competitions and top-class US-based cheerleaders.

The minute the final whistle blows on the pitch, the famous Rugby Rock comes alive. Sponsored this year by Hard Rock Cafe, the night will see music and entertainment from local and international bands. Teenagers and kids will be spoilt for choice this year with a revitalised Sabaa 7?s Club and a new and exciting Teenager Zone in association with Virgin Radio Dubai and PlayStation. Tournament sponsors will offer a whole range of innovative activities as fans make their way through the Rugby Village. Also new this year are Premium tickets, which give you a numbered seat in the Emirates Stand. These are available for groups of two or more and can be purchased online.

From family fun to fancy dress, the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens is one of the biggest social events in the city. Organisers are encouraging visitors to buy tickets before the event to avoid queues when arriving at the venue and save money in the process.

"We have seen the power of the Rugby Sevens go from strength to strength, and 2015 is a very special year for us as we will be watching the sport in the lead-up to its first Olympic appearance in Rio next year. The Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens has grown dramatically, not only with our fan base but also with the level of players taking part in both the main Tournament and the Invitation Tournament. We now have international players of a very high standard taking part, which has the power to attract people from all over the world," said Donal Kilalea, Tournament Commercial and Operations Director.

For the second year running, fans are invited to the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens Launch Party which will take place on Saturday, 3rd October at the Emirates Golf Club from 6 p.m. until late. The party will feature all the fun that is expected at the Sevens, with cheerleader performances, games and great prizes to be won.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2015.