Heroes' welcome awaits Dubai Rugby Sevens players at Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City

The two-year agreement will see all players, International Rugby Board (IRB) officials, VIPs, referees and international media stay at the five-star property, located on the banks of the Dubai Creek.

With 316 rooms and suites available, players and officials will be treated to the highest quality environment at the hotel including high-speed internet access, flat plasma TV screens and a fully-equipped state-of-the-art gymnasium complete with sauna and steam rooms to assist with team recovery sessions after the day's play.

"Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City is proud to announce its involvement with the Dubai Rugby Sevens," said Tom Meyer, Area General Manager, InterContinental Hotels Group - Dubai Festival City.

Meyer added:

"The vigour and vitality of the sport, along with its blend of passion and professionalism make the tournament an ideal counterpart with Crowne Plaza, who with a fantastic array of bars, restaurants, leisure and business facilities has already established itself in Dubai as 'the place to meet' since opening earlier this year."

As the official hotel of the tournament, Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City is expecting to welcome supporters from all over the globe who will be looking to take advantage of the special rate packages available whilst also staying under the same roof as the superstars of the Sevens. Guests will be able to enjoy the relaxing leisure deck with a 25m outdoor lap pool and spa pools overlooking breathtaking views of the Dubai Creek and city skyline. The all day dining restaurant Zaytoun ('Olive' in Arabic) will also be available for guests to experience along with the warmth and charm of the Belgian Beer Café, which will also show the games live on the big screen.

Gary Chapman, President Group Services and Dnata, Emirates Group, the title sponsor of the event, said:

"We are delighted to announce this partnership with the Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City which will see the players and officials staying in and enjoying the very best that Dubai has to offer."

"With this beautiful setting and the many facilities available, we are pleased our guests are going to be able to experience the Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City for themselves and relax in the best possible comforts available away from the rugby pitch and all the action at The Sevens," he added.

Emirates Airline is building a purpose-built facility, named 'The Sevens', for this year's event which is expected to attract over 100,000 spectators over three days of thrilling rugby from November 27-29. Sixteen of the world's best Sevens nations, along with a host of local and international teams competing in nine different competitions, will see almost 2,000 players battling it out for glory at 'The Sevens' which is located on the Al Ain Road past the Outlet Mall.