The Chess Federation approves external participation and intensifies its preparations for the 2026 Olympics

The Board of Directors of the Emirates Chess Federation approved its activity plan until the end of this year, including the external participation of national teams, during its meeting held under the chairmanship of Dr. Saif Salem Al Nuaimi, Vice President of the Federation and currently authorized to chair the Board of Directors.

The Council approved the participation of the national teams in a number of upcoming external competitions, most notably the Arab Chess Championship 2026 scheduled in Egypt from July 28 to August 5, and the 2026 Chess Olympiad, which will be hosted by the city of Samarkand during the period from September 15 to 27, in addition to the 2026 Gulf Junior Chess Championship hosted by the Emirate of Ajman during the period from July 3 to 10.

The Council also discussed the file of the technical staff of the national team, as contracting with a new coach was discussed during the next stage in preparation for the upcoming external benefits, and Dr. Sultan Ali Al-Taher, head of the technical staff, was assigned to follow up on the contracting procedures and choose the coach who suits the requirements of the next stage.
Dr. Saif Salem Al Nuaimi confirmed that the Board of Directors continues to implement an integrated plan aimed at developing the chess system in the country at the technical, administrative and organizational levels, in line with the Federation’s aspirations and future goals.

He said in press statements that the approval of external participations comes within the federation’s strategy aimed at providing the best opportunities for interaction for male and female players, and raising their technical levels through participation in continental and international tournaments, indicating that the next stage includes many important entitlements through which the federation seeks to achieve positive results that reflect the continuous development that the game is witnessing in the country.

He added: “The Federation pays special attention to programs for preparing national teams and qualifying technical and refereeing cadres, in addition to maintaining the regularity of local activity, because of this pivotal role in expanding the base of practitioners, discovering and refining talents, and preparing generations capable of competing in various foreign forums.”
Al Nuaimi pointed out: “The Federation continues to work and coordinate with various concerned parties to ensure the implementation of its future plans, stressing that the UAE’s hosting of the 2028 Chess Olympiad represents an important historical milestone in the game’s journey in the country, and requires continued work at all technical, organizational and administrative levels.”

At the conclusion of his statements, he stressed the ability of the UAE players, both male and female, to represent the country in an honorable manner during the upcoming participations, stressing that the federation will continue to provide all the necessary support factors for the national teams in a way that contributes to achieving achievements and raising the UAE flag in various regional and international forums.