For the first time since the onset of the Covid pandemic, the Emirates Dubai Sevens will be up to a full quota of teams when it returns this weekend.
Some of the stars of the past are returning to the site of their former glories, while there are many more bidding to make names for themselves.
Here are 10 players to look out for among the 4,500 or so participants at The Sevens on the National Day weekend.
Jordan Conroy (Ireland)
Once scored five tries in a single match in Dubai, he is back again with Ireland.
First chance to see him: 10.06am, Friday, Pitch 2 – Ireland v Spain
Jaz Joyce (Great Britain)
Part of the Wales squad at the XVs World Cup in New Zealand this month, she has raced back into sevens in time for Dubai.
First chance to see her: 9.44am, Friday, Pitch 1 – Great Britain v New Zealand
Perry Baker (United States)
Now 36, he remains one of the most recognisable faces on the circuit.
First chance to see him: 10.06am, Friday, Pitch 1 – United States v Canada.
Charlotte Caslick (Australia)
Olympic, Commonwealth and World Cup Sevens gold medals. Ex-World Rugby Sevens player of the year. She’s basically won it all.
First chance to see her: 9.22am, Friday, Pitch 1 – Australia v China
Branco du Preez (South Africa)
A hundred tries on the World Sevens Series. Closing in on 1,500 points. Still mint.
First chance to see him: 11.34am, Friday, Pitch 1 – South Africa v Great Britain
Charity Williams (Canada)
Once aspired to be an Olympian in gymnastics – instead she made it there as a rugby player.
First chance to see her: 9am, Friday, Pitch 1 – Canada v United States
Charlie Taylor (Dubai Tigers)
Played at Dubai Sevens twice on the World Series with Australia. Had four years out, now is back playing in the Gulf Men’s League.
First chance to see him: 6pm, Thursday, Pitch 2 – Dubai Tigers v Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Christelene Steinhobel (Dubai Sharks)
Swapped cricket for rugby, played for South Africa, and is now heading up Dubai Sharks in the Gulf Women’s competition.
First chance to see her: 6.40pm, Thursday, Pitch 8 – Dubai Sharks v Sharjah Wanderers Ladies
Dafydd James (100 World Legends)
The former Wales and British & Irish Lions wing will captain an all-star side in the International Vets.
First chance to see him: 8am, Thursday, Pitch 2 – 100 World Legends v Airbus
Emily Eglen (DESC)
Leading try-scorer as UAE U20s won in Uzbekistan in the Asia Sevens Series recently, she will be leading her school’s challenge in the Gulf U19 Girls.
First chance to see her: 1pm, Thursday, Pitch 4 – DESC v Al Maha
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Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
Grand slam winners since July 2003
Who has won major titles since Wimbledon 2003 when Roger Federer won his first grand slam
Roger Federer 19 (8 Wimbledon, 5 Australian Open, 5 US Open, 1 French Open)
Rafael Nadal 16 (10 French Open, 3 US Open, 2 Wimbledon, 1 Australian Open)
Novak Djokovic 12 (6 Australian Open, 3 Wimbledon, 2 US Open, 1 French Open)
Andy Murray 3 (2 Wimbledon, 1 US Open)
Stan Wawrinka 3 (1 Australian Open, 1 French Open, 1 US Open)
Andy Roddick 1 (1 US Open)
Gaston Gaudio 1 (1 French Open)
Marat Safin 1 (1 Australian Open)
Juan Martin del Potro 1 (1 US Open)
Marin Cilic 1 (1 US Open)
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