It stands to reason that two seasons without playing sevens might have left the region’s rugby players feeling out of sync with the abridged format.
Judged on the performance of the UAE side in the Asia Sevens Series two weeks ago, though, that could hardly be further from the case.
The national team won the plate in that tournament, which acted as the final qualifier for Asian teams for the World Cup Sevens in South Africa next year.
That fifth-place finish might not have won them a trip to Cape Town, but it did represent the best performance to date by the UAE in continental competition.
Since then, the players have dispersed back to their club teams – meaning friends will become foes this weekend in the Gulf Men’s League tournament at the Emirates Dubai Sevens.
And Matthew Pewtner, the assistant UAE coach, believes his Dubai Hurricanes side's title defence is going to be all the more difficult as a result.
“The relationships the players built and how close they became together was really good,” Pewtner said of the UAE’s Asia Sevens Series campaign.
“It is only going to serve to improve the camaraderie and competition among all the club teams over here.
“Most of them are going back, not only as better players but as different players as well. They will take the skills they have developed back to their clubs.
“That will uplift the standard of play at the clubs, and I think the standard of the Gulf competition at the Sevens this year will be really high.”
Pewtner represented Wales on the World Sevens Series before moving Dubai to take up a job as a schoolteacher, which he dovetails with coaching the Hurricanes.
His side will be looking to complete a hat-trick of title wins at the Sevens, but he acknowledged the new-look Hurricanes will be something of an unknown quantity.
“There’s been quite a few changes,” Pewtner said.
“Because of Covid, some of our players left the country, and one or two have moved to different clubs, but we have had a few good additions as well.
“There are a few unknown players, which I think will be exciting. We have our core players there, our captain [UAE player Boris Finck] is still there, and there a few of the players who represented UAE [in the Asia Sevens Series].
“We are excited that we are bringing in six or seven unknowns. That will bring challenges and difficulties, but we have been able to put structures and principals in place.
“Things are looking pretty good. We are excited and hopeful about retaining the title for the third time on the bounce.”
Gulf Men’s League
Pool A Dubai Hurricanes, Dubai Exiles, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Abu Dhabi Saracens
Pool B Jebel Ali Dragons, Bahrain, Dubai Tigers, Dubai Hurricanes II
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The bio
Who inspires you?
I am in awe of the remarkable women in the Arab region, both big and small, pushing boundaries and becoming role models for generations. Emily Nasrallah was a writer, journalist, teacher and women’s rights activist
How do you relax?
Yoga relaxes me and helps me relieve tension, especially now when we’re practically chained to laptops and desks. I enjoy learning more about music and the history of famous music bands and genres.
What is favourite book?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower - I think I've read it more than 7 times
What is your favourite Arabic film?
Hala2 Lawen (Translation: Where Do We Go Now?) by Nadine Labaki
What is favourite English film?
Mamma Mia
Best piece of advice to someone looking for a career at Google?
If you’re interested in a career at Google, deep dive into the different career paths and pinpoint the space you want to join. When you know your space, you’re likely to identify the skills you need to develop.
The stats
Ship name: MSC Bellissima
Ship class: Meraviglia Class
Delivery date: February 27, 2019
Gross tonnage: 171,598 GT
Passenger capacity: 5,686
Crew members: 1,536
Number of cabins: 2,217
Length: 315.3 metres
Maximum speed: 22.7 knots (42kph)
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
SPECS
Toyota land Cruiser 2020 5.7L VXR
Engine: 5.7-litre V8
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 362hp
Torque: 530Nm
Price: Dh329,000 (base model 4.0L EXR Dh215,900)
The specs
Price, base / as tested Dh960,000
Engine 3.9L twin-turbo V8
Transmission Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Power 661hp @8,000rpm
Torque 760Nm @ 3,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined 11.4L / 100k
FROM%20THE%20ASHES
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Khalid%20Fahad%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%20Shaima%20Al%20Tayeb%2C%20Wafa%20Muhamad%2C%20Hamss%20Bandar%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES
All times UAE ( 4 GMT)
Saturday
West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur (3.30pm)
Burnley v Huddersfield Town (7pm)
Everton v Bournemouth (7pm)
Manchester City v Crystal Palace (7pm)
Southampton v Manchester United (7pm)
Stoke City v Chelsea (7pm)
Swansea City v Watford (7pm)
Leicester City v Liverpool (8.30pm)
Sunday
Brighton and Hove Albion v Newcastle United (7pm)
Monday
Arsenal v West Bromwich Albion (11pm)
