The curtain came down on a spectacular Emirates Dubai 7s with New Zealand achieving a HSBC SVNS men's and women's double, while fans in attendance were treated to live music performances from legendary DJs EZ and FISHER, whose headline set at the Frequency on 8 stage proved a fitting finale for another memorable three-day festival at The Sevens Stadium.

On the pitch, the conclusion of the opening leg of the HSBC SVNS Series 2025/26 was all about Australia and New Zealand as the two rugby giants collided in both the men's and women's finals.

New Zealand had secured their place in the men's final courtesy of a thrilling 24-21 victory over Fiji, last year's tournament winners, but it was far more comfortable for Australia, who beat France 14-0.

The final certainly didn't disappoint as the two teams served up a thriller for the fans on Pitch 1, a contest which ebbed and flowed with both teams more than playing their part.

Ultimately, it was New Zealand who edged it, with Jayden Keelan's try ultimately proving decisive as the All Blacks secured a 26-22 victory to claim the title.

In the last four of the women's competition, New Zealand defeated Japan 31-5, with Australia, who were going in search of a sixth consecutive Dubai title, overcoming Fiji 31-10 to set up a repeat of last year's showpiece match.

On that occasion, it was Australia who triumphed, but their Dubai dominance was brought to a shuddering halt by a ruthless New Zealand side who were intent on making up for last year's disappointment.

New Zealand produced a superb display, scoring three tries in the opening seven minutes, including two from Jorja Miller, to establish a 17-0 half-time lead. Although the Australians rallied late on, the damage had already been done, and it was the All Blacks who secured a fully deserved 29-14 victory to secure the title.

The trophies were presented to the winning captains by Sir. Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline and Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, President, UAE Rugby.

On Saturday, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, was in attendance to watch the action unfold as the HSBC SVNS began.

Mathew Tait, Festival Director, said:“Congratulations to New Zealand on their outstanding victories at the HSBC SVNS. This year's tournament once again delivered two memorable days of world-class rugby, capped by a brilliant set of finals.

“Year after year, the Emirates Dubai 7s raises the bar, and 2025 was no exception. We were thrilled to welcome huge crowds across all three days, who immersed themselves in an action-packed programme of sport, music and entertainment.

“Our live music line-up was another standout success, and having FISHER close the festival with his signature energy at The Sevens Stadium was the perfect finale to an incredible weekend.”

Earlier in the day on Pitch 1, Dubai Hurricanes emerged triumphant in the Gulf Men's League Cup Final as they overcame Bahrain RFC, much to the delight of the majority of fans watching on in the Dubai sunshine, who gave the players a tremendous reception as they lifted the trophy.

This year's invitational rugby tournament, the largest in the world, featured 243 teams across men's and women's with aspiring players throughout multiple age groups performing at The Sevens Stadium during the three-day event.

The Emirates Dubai 7s also played host to cricket presented by Dulsco Group, netball presented by Dubai Holding Community Management, Rebound Padel and the WODON 3 fitness competition, with the event continuing to provide a platform for people of all ages to participate in various sporting disciplines, both in competitive and less intense environments.

Those in attendance across the three days were also handed a unique opportunity to take part in both rugby and cricket masterclasses led by legends such as Ben Youngs, Dan Cole, Tom Mitchell, Emily Scarratt, James Anderson, Kate Cross, Georgia Elwiss, Mahela Jayawardene and Jacques Kallis.

Following Saturday's brilliant shows from music legends Tinie Tempah, Sean Paul and Shaggy, the energy increased even further on Sunday as DJ EZ whipped the Beats on 2 crowd into a frenzy, before FISHER took to the Frequency on 8 stage and performed a trademark set, featuring many of his biggest hits, to close the 2025 Emirates Dubai 7s in fitting fashion.

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