Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival Opens With Record 2,250 Players

Abu Dhabi’s 32nd International Chess Festival kicks off with a record 2,250 players on Sunday, 16 August, signaling the event’s growing global and local appeal. The tournament, which runs until 24 August, hosts 300 Emirati competitors and introduces new disciplines such as Xiangqi (Chinese chess) and Dice Chess. H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, patrons the annual event. Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, made the ceremonial first move, officially inaugurating the competition. New Frontiers in Chess Organisers introduce new disciplines, including Xiangqi and Dice Chess, alongside a dedicated tournament for People of Determination. These additions diversify the festival’s offerings and attract a broader audience. The festival stages 34 diverse technical and community events, catering to all age groups. It headlines the prestigious Masters Tournament, Open A, and Open B competitions. Younis Haji Al Khoori, Sheikh Saud bin Abdul Aziz Al Mualla, Dr Ismail Ibrahim Al Khoori, and Hussein Abdullah Al Khoori attended the opening, underscoring the event's significance. Impact on Local Talent For Emirati players, the festival provides an invaluable platform to sharpen skills against the world's elite chess grandmasters and rising stars. The significant presence of 300 local participants underscores a growing interest and investment in intellectual sports…