UAE chess federation approves 2026 international calendar as teams prepare for Arab Championship and Chess Olympiad
Emirates Chess Federation confirms UAE chess national teams will compete at the Arab Championship, Gulf Youth in Ajman and the Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, with a new coach search underway.
The Emirates Chess Federation’s board has approved a comprehensive activity plan through the end of 2026 that secures international competition slots for UAE chess national teams and advances preparation for major regional and global events. The plan, ratified at a meeting chaired by Dr. Saif Salem Al Nuaimi in his capacity as acting head of the board, formalizes participation in the Arab Chess Championship in Egypt and the Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, among other assignments. Officials said the schedule and technical staffing decisions are intended to raise competitive standards and prepare the country for its role as host of the 2028 Chess Olympiad.
Board Approves International Participation Schedule
The board endorsed a list of external tournaments where UAE chess teams will compete during the remainder of 2026. Confirmed entries include the Arab Championship in Egypt from July 28 to August 5, the Gulf Youth Championship to be held in Ajman from July 3 to July 10, and the Chess Olympiad in Samarkand from September 15 to 27. Federation leaders described the approvals as part of a strategic effort to give Emirati players regular exposure to continental and global competition.
Major Tournaments and Competitive Objectives
Federation officials emphasized that each selected event was chosen for its expected competitive value and developmental impact. The Arab Championship and Gulf Youth tournament are seen as key platforms for youth and emerging players to gain match experience against regional rivals. Participation in the Samarkand Chess Olympiad will place UAE teams on the global stage, testing depth and readiness ahead of the federation’s objective to host the 2028 Olympiad.
Search for New National Coach Underway
The board discussed the national team’s technical structure and agreed to pursue a new head coach to guide preparations for the upcoming schedule. Dr. Sultan Ali Al Taher, the federation’s head of the technical department, was tasked with overseeing the recruitment process and finalizing a contract that meets the technical requirements of the national teams. Officials noted that the selection will prioritize candidates with proven experience preparing teams for both youth and senior international events.
Strengthening Domestic Training and Officiating
Alongside international engagements, the federation reaffirmed its commitment to domestic training programs and the development of refereeing and technical staff. Officials highlighted initiatives aimed at expanding the local player base, improving talent identification, and delivering targeted coaching camps ahead of summer competitions. Maintaining a consistent domestic calendar was portrayed as essential for keeping players competition-ready and building a pipeline of talent for national selection.
Hosting the 2028 Chess Olympiad and Long-Term Planning
Federation leadership framed the immediate competition plan as a stepping stone toward the larger goal of successfully hosting the Chess Olympiad in the UAE in 2028. Board members said the prospect of staging the Olympiad imposes higher standards across organizational, administrative and sporting functions and requires sustained investment in logistical and technical capacity. The federation signaled ongoing coordination with relevant stakeholders to align resources and ensure the country is prepared to meet international hosting expectations.
The federation’s interim chair underlined that the approved calendar and recruitment drive reflect a broader strategy to accelerate the sport’s growth in the UAE. He reaffirmed the board’s intent to provide the national teams with the necessary support, from coaching and preparation camps to travel and tournament logistics. Officials expressed confidence that the combined focus on international exposure, coaching upgrades and domestic development will position UAE chess players to represent the country with distinction in upcoming regional and world competitions.
