As a leading force in Premiership Rugby in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates and the West Asia Premiership, the Dubai Exiles receive interest from around the world from people wishing to play senior men’s rugby in Dubai. This page is intended to deal with some frequently asked questions from rugby players who are interested in getting involved and enjoying their rugby in the UAE with the Dubai Exiles.
I play rugby professionally, what sort of contract can you offer me?
The Dubai Exiles are a top class, amateur rugby side, that plays rugby in the West Asia Premiership, UAE Premiership and the Emirates Dubai Sevens. We are always looking for talented players to enhance our squad and welcome anyone looking to play top class rugby in the Emirates, however, as an amateur side we do not offer players contracts where they are financially remunerated.
I’m not in Dubai or the UAE, what can you do to help me?
The short answer is very little, to play rugby in the UAE you need to be resident and have an Emirates Residency ID (or have an application in progress). Without the ID and appropriate visa, you will not be eligible to play rugby in the UAE.
I’m in Dubai, how do I get involved?
Our senior rugby side trains at the world famous Sevens Stadium in Dubai. Training is on a Tuesday evening from 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm and Thursday evenings, also from 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm. Please come along and meet the coaching staff and players and get involved. If you’d like to make contact with us before turning up, you can email the club at hello@dubaiexiles.com.
I’ve come from a top tier rugby nation, what is the standard like?
The standard of rugby in the UAE and West Asia Premiership leagues is very high. Many of the teams are made up of high level amateur players, ex semi-professional and ex professional rugby players. The coaching standard is also high, teams populated with IRB level 3 and 4 coaching staff. Dubai, and the UAE, is made up from over 200 different nationalities our own senior squad is made up of players from South Africa, Scotland, England, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, France, Argentina, Fiji, Italy, Wales as well as other nationalities such as Namibia, Kenya, Lebanon, USA and Uruguay.
What about insurance and kit?
Rugby clubs in Dubai have a ‘membership system’, grass in the desert is very expensive. Typical cost, to play for a full season with Exiles is AED 2450 a season. That’s approximately £495 Sterling, $640 US dollars. This covers playing kit, playing insurance, pitch hire contribution and so on. The season typically lasts from August (pre-season) through to end of March.
