As the governing body of the sport of Rugby in the UAE, one of the UAE Rugby Federation’s mandates is to develop the indigenous player to a level where, one day, a highly competitive full-Emirati team can be fielded in various Asia Rugby and World Rugby sanctioned events.

Onside, in conjunction with the Federation, developed and implemented the annual UAE Rugby-owned Dubai Airports International 7’s Tournament, an all-Arab representative 1-day tournament designed to encourage emerging neighbouring unions to participate and be exposed to an international tournament against teams of the same skill and fitness.

As headline sponsor, the tournament also provides Dubai Airports with a platform to profile one of their key CSR goals which is to develop indigenous talent through sports, and support a sustainable pathway into representative rugby.

The inaugural 2015 tournament served as the first Arab Rugby Sevens Tournament under the auspices of World Rugby, Asia Rugby and the newly established the Arab Rugby Federation (ARF).