Gaelic football is bringing a fresh sporting element to the Emirates Dubai 7s this November, with the Irish sport making its festival debut alongside the event’s established competitions. Taking place from Friday, November 27 to Sunday, November 29, 2026, at The Sevens Stadium, the festival will introduce a quicker seven-a-side version of the traditional game to Dubai’s annual sporting weekend.
Registration is now open for the Gaelic football tournament, as well as the returning WODON3 fitness and Rebound padel competitions. The additions give local teams, sporting communities and amateur athletes more ways to get involved in the three-day festival.
Gaelic Football Gets a 7s Makeover
Traditionally played with 15 players on each side, Gaelic football will be adapted into a shorter format for Emirates Dubai 7s. The competition is being delivered in partnership with the Middle East Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), bringing the UAE’s established Gaelic Games community into the festival.
The format is designed to keep matches quick and energetic. Each team will have seven players on the field, while squads can consist of 10 players alongside two management representatives. Matches will be played across two seven-minute halves, with rolling substitutions allowed throughout the game.
The shorter games should put plenty of focus on pace, teamwork and quick decisions, while giving players a different way to experience a sport traditionally associated with larger teams and longer matches.
Four Divisions for the Inaugural Tournament
The first Gaelic football competition at Emirates Dubai 7s will feature four divisions covering both Elite and Open categories. The men’s and women’s tournaments will each have an Elite and Open division, creating opportunities for experienced competitors as well as teams looking to take part at a more accessible level.
The debut also allows the region’s Gaelic football community to showcase the sport to a wider audience during one of Dubai’s biggest annual sporting weekends.
More Ways to Take Part
There will be plenty happening beyond the new Gaelic football tournament. WODON3 returns with a mixed-team functional fitness competition for four-person teams, combining two men and two women. Participants can choose between Super Social, Open and Elite categories, depending on their experience and competitive level.
Rebound Padel is also returning, with five purpose-built courts and divisions designed for different types of players. The competition will include beginner social, open social, open competitive and corporate categories, making it another option for teams wanting to combine sport with the wider festival atmosphere.
Meanwhile, the Emirates Dubai 7s will continue to host its familiar rugby, netball and cricket tournaments, ensuring there is something for a wide range of sporting communities throughout the weekend.
When Is Emirates Dubai 7s 2026?
The Emirates Dubai 7s will take place from November 27 to 29, 2026, at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai. Registration for Gaelic football, WODON3 and Rebound Padel is now open through the official Emirates Dubai 7s portal. With a new sport joining the programme alongside returning favourites, this year’s festival offers another reason to spend a weekend watching, playing and discovering different sports in Dubai.
