Abu Dhabi Chess Festival concludes 32nd edition, eyes 2028 Olympiad

The Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival concluded its 32nd edition on Sunday, August 30, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. The annual tournament, a consistent fixture since 1991, has attracted over 2,400 players globally throughout its history, including nearly 300 Emirati participants, according to the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. The festival serves as a platform for nurturing local chess talent, providing training and international exposure. Prominent Emirati players such as Grandmaster Salem Abdul Rahman and Woman Grandmaster Rouda Al Serkal have participated in past editions. The event is regularly included on the FIDE (International Chess Federation) calendar, reflecting Abu Dhabi's growing influence in the international chess community and its role in fostering elite competition and grassroots development. The UAE host the World Chess Olympiad 2028 in Abu Dhabi, marking its second time after 1986. The festival's sustained success and global participation are seen as crucial preparation for this upcoming international event. Why it matters The Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival's three-decade history and global participation highlight the emirate's strategic commitment to chess development and its increasing capacity to host major international sporting events. This positioning is critical as Abu Dhabi prepares to host the 2028 World Chess Olympiad.