It was held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, at The Sevens stadium.

It was the official debut for the United Arab Emirates national team, the first of several national teams to have been created after the disbanding of the tournament's former host union, the Arabian Gulf Rugby Football Union.

Eight national teams competed in the IRB Women's Sevens Challenge Cup — Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, England, South Africa, Spain, and the USA, with the semi-finals and finals played on the main pitch at The Sevens.

[2] Canada won the inaugural event by defeating England in the final 26–7.

Points were awarded in each pool on a different schedule from most rugby tournaments—3 for a win, 2 for a draw, 1 for a loss.