The 2016 Dubai Women's Sevens was the opening tournament of the 2016–17 World Rugby Women's Sevens Series.

[2][3][4] The defending champions Australia started their first game against the invited South Africans.

The opening game of the Dubai tournament matched Spain up against England.

[5] Bill Beaumont, the World Rugby Chairman, said: "With the excitement of the Olympic Games still fresh in people's memories, anticipation has never been higher ahead of a new HSBC World Rugby Women's Sevens Series season kicking off".

The other teams from each group play-off for the Challenge Trophy.