Israeli and Emirati rugby teams to play each other for first time

The rugby sevens match in Dubai is the latest example of the strengthening of relations between Israel and the UAE and shows a shift in Israel's sports relations with other regional states.
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Dominic Waldouck of the London Wasps is tackled during a match between the Wasps and the Abu Dhabi Harlequins at the Emirates Palace Hotel on Jan. 30, 2011, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. - Jack Dabghian/Getty Images
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Adam Lucente
@Adam_Lucente

The Israeli and Emirati rugby teams will play their first ever match this week. It is the latest example of the strengthening ties between the two countries following their historic normalization agreement.

Israel Rugby will face UAE Rugby in Dubai on Friday. The two teams will also hold joint practices this week in the United Arab Emirates’ largest city, Israel Rugby said in a Facebook post Sunday.

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