Your Rugby Sevens 2016 travel & after-party cheat sheet

Here’s your guide to the buses and after-parties at the Sevens weekend…

Many of us wouldn’t miss Sevens for the world: we’re quite happy to make the journey, brave the traffic and the crowds to cheer at rugby teams we’ve never heard of. Why? Because it’s fun.

The Sevens attracts more crazy costumes than any Halloween party, and when coupled with good food and drink it leads to an unmissable day out.

Being such a big event can pose some travel complications though. So, in order to let you know how to get to and from the Sevens, as well as the after parties happening afterwards, we’ve gone ahead and compiled a cheat sheet.

GETTING TO & FROM THE SEVENS

Taxi: Getting to the Rugby Sevens via taxi will be relatively easy, however there might be a bit of traffic as you get closer to the event. Leaving the Sevens via taxi may see you stuck in a queue, so it’d be best to pre-book to avoid standing around.

Uber: If you’re heading to the Sevens, Uber will offer you Dhs25 off your total fare (the code is ‘7SDXB15’). Leaving the Sevens will be normal price.

Bus: While there are no official buses to the event, Dubai’s Big Bus service will be on hand to take you from the Sevens to a number of stops around the city for free.

The bus pick-up point will be located next to the taxi rank, and will run on Thursday from 5pm to midnight and Friday and Saturday from 5pm to 1am.

Here are the places the free bus will take you…

Every day there will be a bus going to: Crowne Plaza on Sheikh Zayed, Double Decker in Downtown, Dubai Festival City, Media City, Motor City, UBK Movenpick JLT, Umm Suqeim 3.

On Friday and Saturday only there will be a bus going to: Barasti, Bidi Bondi, Brunswick Sports Club, Irish Village

On Saturday only there will be a bus going to: The Atrium, Al Habtoor City

Plus, Barasti will be offering their own buses to and from the event. The bus from Barasti to the Sevens runs on both Friday and Saturday at 11am, 12pm and 1pm. The Barasti bus back to the beach bar will be leaving the Sevens at 7pm.

Car: If you’re willing to take the risk of finding parking at the Sevens, there’ll be a total of 12,000 spaces.

WHERE IS IT?

The Sevens stadium is located out past Dubai Outlet Village and can be accessed via the Dubai-Al Ain Road. It’s a bit of a trek though, so make sure to bring enough cash if you’re taking a taxi!

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ARE THERE ANY AFTER PARTIES?

Of course. It wouldn’t be Sevens without a solid after-party.

Here’s the list of where you should be going once the games are over…

Barasti Beach Bar

One of Dubai’s best-loved beach bars are offering up Barasti Breakfast, followed by buses to the Sevens on Friday and Saturday at 11am, 12pm and 1pm.

There will also be free transport on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from the Sevens back to Barasti at 7pm to carry on the party.

Barasti, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort, Al Sufouh Road. December 1 to 3. 11am to 1.30am. Tel: (04) 5117139. barastibeach.com.

John Morales at 360º

From the pitch to the party, John Morales will be down at 360º on Friday night to pump out club anthems. The internationally acclaimed DJ will be playing alongside the club’s resident DJs, including John Spoor, Danny Kwang and Miss Foster.

360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, near Jumeirah Beach Road. Friday December 2, 8pm to 2am. Free entry. Tel: (04) 4068741. jumeirah.com.

XL Dubai

From 6pm onwards on the Saturday night, XL will be playing host to Jamaican reggae singer-songwriter Alaine, with DJs Creme de la Creme and Kriss Darlin on the decks.

XL Dubai, Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, JBR. Saturday December 3, 6pm to 3am. Dhs100. Tel: (056) 6406161. xldubai.com. 

McGettigan’s JLT

The Irish pub will be serving up a breakfast package complete with a pint, followed by free buses to the Sevens leaving at 12.30pm, 1.30pm and 2pm for just Dhs99 per person. Spots on the bus are limited, so make sure you rock up early. For after the Sevens, McGettigan’s will remain open until 3am.

McGettigan’s, JLT. December 2 to 3, noon to 3am. Tel: (04) 3780800. mcgettigans.com. 

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