Fujairah: The first edition of the Fujairah Global Chess Championship has officially commenced in the emirate. This Fujairah Global Chess Championship features an elite field of international players and serves as part of the qualifying cycle for the World Cup 2025.
Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, the tournament is organized by the Fujairah Chess and Culture Club at its new headquarters. The event has gained official recognition from FIDE (International Chess Federation) and will continue till September 2.
The championship boasts participation from over 30 of the world’s top-ranked players, including Ukrainian Grandmaster Ivanchuk, Indian prodigy Nihal Sarin, and the UAE’s own Salem Abdul Rahman, making it one of the strongest open tournaments ever staged.

Dr. Al Barakat has confirmed that matches in both the ‘Superstar’ and ‘Master’ categories will be live-streamed on the International Chess Federation website and other major global chess platforms. The coverage will include video broadcasts of select matches, allowing chess enthusiasts worldwide to follow the competition.
Polish international player Kacper Piorun has expressed admiration for the event’s organization and the state-of-the-art facilities at the new venue. Piorun noted that the tournament significantly strengthens Fujairah’s position as a leading international host for prestigious chess championships. The Fujairah Global Chess Championship represents a significant development in the global chess calendar, highlighting the UAE’s growing influence in international sports hosting.
This successful inaugural event establishes a new benchmark for international chess competitions in the region and paves the way for Fujairah to become a recurring destination for world-class chess events. The championship’s execution demonstrates the emirate’s capacity to host high-profile international sporting events that meet global standards.