In a landmark moment for UAE sports, Rouda Al Serkal, rising star of the national chess team and member of the Abu Dhabi Chess Club & Mind Games, has been officially awarded the Women Grandmaster (WGM) title by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) — becoming the first Emirati and Gulf national to attain this prestigious rank.
The historic recognition follows her gold-medal performance at the Arab Women’s Championship, held last November at the Sharjah Cultural Chess Club.
A Milestone for Women in Chess
Kholood Al Zarouni, Chair of the UAE Chess Federation’s Women’s Committee, praised the achievement, highlighting it as a reflection of strong institutional collaboration within UAE sports. She extended gratitude to the Ministry of Sports, the UAE National Olympic Committee, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and the Abu Dhabi Chess & Mind Games Club for their consistent support.
“This accomplishment is not only a national milestone, but also a powerful motivational boost for young Emirati girls aiming to succeed in competitive chess,” said Al Zarouni. “Rouda represents the model of excellence—dedicated, disciplined, and always striving for the next level.”
Eyes Set on Global Glory
At just 16 years old, Al Serkal now stands as a role model for a new generation of players in the region. Speaking about her achievement, she described receiving the WGM title as “a strong motivation to push the UAE toward global recognition in chess.”
Looking ahead, she has her sights set on upcoming international tournaments, including the Asian Individual Chess Championship from May 6–15 in Al Ain, and the World Youth and Women’s Championships in July 2025.
“This title is only the beginning,” Rouda said. “I’m committed to ensuring the UAE’s strong presence on the global chess stage.”
Support from Family, Clubs, and Country
Rouda credited her journey to a web of support—from her family to her school “AlMawaheb,” and from national institutions to the visionary leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, “Mother of the Emirates,” whose commitment to empowering women has fueled progress across various sectors, including sports.
She also commended the UAE Chess Federation and the Abu Dhabi Chess & Mind Games Club for their strategic development programs, access to top-tier coaching, and a strong competitive ecosystem that nurtures talent across all levels.
A Champion from the Start
Rouda’s trajectory in the chess world has been nothing short of extraordinary. She was already a champion at the age of five, having won the Asian Championship Under-6. At eight, she claimed the UAE Under-20 title. Her accolades include:
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World Cadets Under-8 Champion (2017)
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World Schools Under-9 Champion (2018)
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Asian Youth Under-14 Bronze Medalist
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Jeddah Open Winner
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Multiple-time Arab Women Champion
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World Champion in Puzzle Solving (Category C)
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West Asian Champion
Her continued success reinforces the UAE’s emergence as a rising chess powerhouse in the region.
Chess and the UAE: A Growing Powerhouse
The UAE is rapidly becoming a regional hub for international chess, with numerous FIDE-sanctioned tournaments held annually and increasing participation among youth. Chess is now among the fastest-growing sports in the country.
Alongside chess, the UAE continues to shine as a destination for major global sporting events, from T20 World Cups and IPL cricket to MME and combat sports, FIFA qualifiers, and more. Recently, the ICC Champions Trophy was hosted in the UAE after India declined to travel to Pakistan due to diplomatic tensions—underscoring the UAE’s status as a neutral and world-class venue for elite competitions.
