(Reuters) "The decision reflected the current global unrest and the responses from invited teams about the prospect of competing in a tournament in the Middle East," IRB spokesman Bill Wallace said.
"The safety and security of participating teams is our paramount concern."
The series was due to take place in Dubai from November 8-9. It will now be launched the following weekend in Durban which was originally scheduled to follow Dubai as the second round.
The Arabian Gulf Rugby Football Union, which organises the Dubai Sevens, is still planning to hold a tournament on the original dates but it will not carry IRB Series points.
Teams taking part in the World Sevens Series include holders New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, England, Fiji, Argentina and Canada.
The first round of the World Sevens Series has been moved from Dubai to Durban in South Africa, the International Rugby Board (IRB) has said.
