Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival to kick off its biggest edition on August 15

Al Etihad

5 days ago

13 Aug 2025 00:24
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival is set to return for its biggest edition on Friday, organisers said.The 31st edition of the highly anticipated event will take place from August 15 to 24 at Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi – Corniche.Organised by the Abu Dhabi Chess Club and Mind Games in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the festival brings together players of all ages and skill levels for a series of FIDE-regulated championships.Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival has expanded its scope from 27 tournaments in the previous editions to 29 this year — including the International Masters Tournament, the Open Championship, the Family Chess Championship, children's tournaments, and competitions for seniors aged 55 and over, among others.
'This reflects a trend toward intensifying focus on quality events and equipment for each category. A large group of international players are participating,' Saeed Ahmed Al Khouri, Executive Director at the Abu Dhabi Chess Club and Mind Games, told Aletihad . The total prize pool stands at over $126,500, with $55,000 allocated to the International Masters alone, marking an increase of $25,000 from last year, he added.The tournament is open to players rated above 2300, except club members.'The organisers are providing free accommodation for players with an international rating of 2600 and above (men) and ≥2400 (women). Fifteen low-value invitation cards (2300) are also being awarded to provide an opportunity for emerging international stars,' Al Khouri said.As part of its mission to nurture Emirati talent, the festival includes competitions for youth aged 16 and under, with categories for players as young as five, he said. There are also special tournaments for girls under the age of 16 and for the club's private academy.Juniors are exempted from fees, thanks to the support of Abu Dhabi Chess Academy, Al Khouri said.Boosting women's participation is another priority for the festival's organisers.'We organise tournaments specifically for women, allocate cash prizes for the 'best player' in each category, and hold more than one competition for young women. We are also studying the possibility of establishing parallel academic programmes; cultural and educational — to balance the competitive and educational aspects of the festival,' Al Khouri said.Matches will be broadcast live on the FIDE website and Asian and Arab platforms, with live analysis supported by artificial intelligence and comprehensive coverage, Al Khouri said.Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival pulls in thousands of participants and visitors from as many as 82 countries — but more are expected this year.
'Last year, there were 2,200 players, and we expect to exceed that this year,' Al Khouri said.
Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi