The side also play Argentina and Russia in their other Pool games.
John said: “New Zealand are the top seed in Dubai but Argentina is also a massive game and Russia are improving all the time.
“Every Pool is difficult now in the HSBC Sevens World Series but we’ve prepared well as a squad and held an extremely useful and competitive trial session between squad players last week.
“Alex Webber, who has been playing with Ystrad Rhondda in Division One East, stood out, as did Cory Allen who have both made it into the squad for the first time.
“Jason Harries is also set to win his first cap for Wales Sevens having performed well in training, while Ifan Evans returns to the squad bringing more strength in depth.”
Following this weekend’s Dubai tournament, the Series moves on to Port Elizabeth in South Africa for the Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens.
Wales Sevens squad for Dubai and Port Elizabeth:
Ifan Evans (unattached), James Davies (Carmarthen Quins), Adam Thomas (Pontypridd), Richie Pugh (Scarlets), Jason Harries (Carmarthen Quins), Lee Williams (Scarlets), Rhys Jones (Scarlets), Will Thomas (Blues Academy), Will Price (Ospreys), Rhys Shellard (Pontypridd), Cory Allen (Blues Academy), Alex Webber (Ystrad Rhondda)
