Viswanathan Anand is expected in Abu Dhabi for Fide centenary festivities
On Thursday, the International Chess Federation (Fide) will celebrate its centenary in Abu Dhabi with the participation of renowned Indian grandmaster Viswanathan Anand.
Anand will be there, as well as other notable figures in the world and the Arab chess scene, as the event takes place at Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi starting at 5:30 p.m.
In conjunction with the festivities, the Egyptian grandmaster Ahmed Adly will engage in simultaneous exhibition matches against fifteen other chess players at Marina Mall.
The president of the Qatari Federation and grandmaster Mohammed Al Mudahka will play a simultaneous game with fifteen other chess players.
In keeping with the customs of the Fide 100-year ceremony observed in many parts of the world, there will also be a torch relay. Starting with Chennai, Paris, Abu Dhabi, and Bucharest—which will play host to the 2024 Chess Olympiad—we will travel through 12 world chess cities.
Husayn Khoori, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Chess Club, told the Khaleej Times, "Abu Dhabi is glad to host the Fide 100 years ceremony and to be part of the 12 capitals around the world that got this honor."
"Abu Dhabi is the chess world capital, home to the top players from throughout the globe. This torch being brought here is evidence of that.
Fide celebrated its centenary on 20 July by inviting chess players and federations to take part in a world record attempt for the most games played in a single day.
In response to this request, chess clubs in the United Arab Emirates participated in 2104 chess games, setting an international record.
Chief executive of the Abu Dhabi Chess Club Saeed Khouri remarked, "We have organized a tournament with 168 players from 19 different countries in response to Fide's call."
"The players gave a big and encouraging response. Introducing the game to the Abu Dhabi community is one of our primary objectives, and we will keep doing so."
"The players gave a big and encouraging response. Introducing the game to the Abu Dhabi community is one of our primary objectives, and we will keep doing so."
The Dubai Chess Club secretary general, Saeed Yousuf Shakari, praised the centenary celebrations in the United Arab Emirates as well.
"Dubai Chess Club has been hosting the International Chess Day event for the previous five years, and we carried on our tradition this year. We were happy to participate in this world record attempt because we think it is really important," Yousuf Shakari stated.
"We are proud to host such activities and events that combine education and entertainment and aim to enhance awareness of the health, cultural, and educational benefits of playing chess as well as enhance the role of chess as a tool for sustainable development, cultural interaction, and international cooperation," stated Sheikh Dr. Khaled bin Humaid Al Qassimi, President of the Sharjah Chess Club and the Arab Chess Federation. This day is dedicated to a number of national activities, such as chess tournaments, contests, workshops, and conferences.
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