The Dubai Rugby Sevens next month will maintain a strong international flavor with five first class nations confirmed to play despite a decision to remove the event from the World Sevens Series this year, organizers told AFP Tuesday.
Security fears raised by proximity to the Afghanistan war zone led the International Rugby Board to scrub Dubai from this year's tournament after several nations voiced concern.
But they have not frightened off New Zealand, Samoa, Scotland, South Africa and Wales who join Arabian Gulf, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Morocco, Namibia, Portugal and Sri Lanka in the Emirates International trophy, said the agency.
Tension has mounted in the Gulf region since the September 11 terror attacks in the United States and the US air war on Afghanistan, with expatriates warned by embassies to keep a low profile.
But the leaders of the UAE have repeatedly assured people and guests that the security situation in the country is still inviting to international events and businessmen.
Dubai Crown Prince and the country’s defense chief Sheikh Mohammad bib Rashid Al Maktoum has been quoted as saying that the UAE “is not in a state of war,” and all commercial and social activities should go on “smoothly.” – Albawaba.com
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