Renowned Indian chess grandmaster Viswanathan Anand is set to participate in the International Chess Federation's (FIDE) 100-year anniversary festivities in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. Anand, alongside other prominent international and Arab chess figures and officials, will be present at the event, which commences at 5:30 pm at the Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi. During the celebrations, exhibition matches will be held at the Marina Mall, featuring Egyptian grandmaster Ahmed Adly competing against 15 players simultaneously. Similarly, Qatari Federation president and grandmaster Mohammed Al Mudahka will engage in a simultaneous game with 15 opponents. Additionally, a torch relay, a customary activity for FIDE's centennial, will traverse 12 global chess capitals, beginning in Chennai and culminating in Bucharest, the host of the 2024 Chess Olympiad.
"Abu Dhabi is honored to host FIDE's 100-year celebration and to be among the 12 honored capitals worldwide," remarked Hussein Khoori, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Chess Club, in an interview with Khaleej Times. "Abu Dhabi stands as the global chess capital and welcomes the world's finest players. The torch's arrival here underscores this status." FIDE celebrated its centenary on July 20, and to mark this milestone, it has encouraged chess players and federations to attempt a world record for the most chess games played in a single day. Chess clubs across the Emirates enthusiastically responded, contributing 2104 games to the international record.
"We heeded FIDE's call by organizing a tournament with 168 players from 19 countries," stated Saeed Khouri, CEO of the Abu Dhabi Chess Club. "The turnout from players was substantial and positive. Our primary aim is to introduce the game to the Abu Dhabi community, a goal we have consistently pursued and will continue to do so." Saeed Yousuf Shakari, Secretary General of the Dubai Chess Club, also praised the UAE's centennial celebrations. "Over the past five years, the Dubai Chess Club has been hosting the International Chess Day tournament, and this year was no exception. We place great significance on this world record attempt and were delighted to participate," Shakari noted. Meanwhile, Sheikh Dr Khaled bin Humaid Al Qassimi, President of the Sharjah Chess Club and the Arab Chess Federation, expressed, "We are proud to host activities and events that blend education with entertainment, aiming to boost awareness of chess's health, cultural, and educational advantages and to elevate chess's role in sustainable development, cultural exchange, and international collaboration. Various events are held nationwide on this day, including chess tournaments, competitions, workshops, and seminars."
