The 2019 Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens looks likely to be held on the weekend of December 5-7, to avoid clashing with the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The date for the 2019 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has been <a href="https://www.thenational.ae/sport/f1/abu-dhabi-grand-prix-2019-to-clash-with-dubai-rugby-sevens-after-date-change-1.780159">pushed back to Sunday, December 1</a>, meaning the Formula One season-concluding race will take place the day before National Day. That had set up a direct clash with the country's other main sporting showpiece, the Dubai Sevens, which is traditionally played in or around the National Day weekend. Although there has been no official confirmation from World Rugby, a huge poster on display at The Sevens on Thursday said the 2019 edition to celebrate the tournament's 50th year would be held on December 5, 6 and 7. The first day of the 2018 Dubai Rugby Sevens got under way on Thursday and will conclude Saturday. <strong>______________</strong> <strong>Read more:</strong> <strong>The magnificent Sevens: <a href="https://www.thenational.ae/sport/rugby/the-magnificent-sevens-how-dubai-s-annual-rugby-fiesta-found-a-home-1.797221">How Dubai's annual rugby fiesta found a home</a></strong> <strong><a href="https://www.thenational.ae/sport/rugby/south-africa-aim-to-make-it-three-in-a-row-at-emirates-airline-dubai-rugby-sevens-1.796845">South Africa aim to make it three-in-a-row at Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens</a></strong> <strong><a href="https://www.thenational.ae/sport/rugby/when-is-the-2018-dubai-rugby-sevens-complete-guide-to-the-tournament-1.793940">When is the 2018 Dubai Rugby Sevens? Complete guide to the tournament</a></strong>