Viswanathan Anand finds it highly appealing for all sports to establish a presence in Dubai

Chess Icon Viswanathan Anand Receives UAE Golden Visa

At just 15 years old, Viswanathan Anand embarked on a journey to Dubai to participate in the World Junior Championships. That was 38 years ago when Dubai was a vastly different place, characterized by empty sand plots and narrow roads. Despite the passage of time, Anand still holds vivid memories of that initial encounter with the city.

Anand, a chess prodigy who would go on to etch his name among the greatest chess players of all time, boasts an impressive record with five senior world championship titles. When asked about Dubai's remarkable transformation over the years, he finds himself at a loss for words.

In a significant development, Dubai has now become Anand's second home as he was granted the UAE golden visa on a Tuesday. This recognition not only underscores Anand's personal connection to the city but also signifies his commitment to contributing to Dubai and the UAE's pursuit of sporting excellence.

Anand, at 53 years of age, harbors aspirations of playing a vital role in nurturing and enriching the local chess community by imparting his vast knowledge and experiences to the enthusiasts and aspiring players in Dubai. His journey, from a young chess enthusiast competing in the World Junior Championships to becoming a chess legend and now a contributor to Dubai's sporting legacy, is truly inspiring and emblematic of the city's remarkable evolution.