UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to supporting young Emirati sporting talents, focusing on the development of their skills and capabilities, and ensuring all available resources are harnessed to empower them for sporting excellence at both the regional and international levels.
Advancing the sports sector remains central to the UAE’s broader development vision for both present and future generations. The President’s remarks came during a reception at Qasr Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi, where he met Rouda Essa Al Serkal, a distinguished member of the UAE national chess team and the Abu Dhabi Chess Club & Mind Games.
This meeting celebrated Rouda Essa Al Serkal’s recent victory at the Arab Chess Championship, where she clinched the coveted title of Grandmaster—becoming the first Emirati woman to receive this prestigious international honor—and her qualification for the Chess World Cup finals.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan congratulated Rouda Al Serkal on her “remarkable achievement,” calling it “a valuable addition to the UAE’s record of accomplishments in chess.” He extended his wishes for her continued success in the upcoming World Cup and commended “the determination and perseverance she has demonstrated since an early age.”
In response, Rouda Al Serkal described her “joy at meeting” with the President and expressed “gratitude for the support and encouragement she has received.” She emphasized the “significant role this backing has played in her journey,” and stated her pride in being the “first Emirati woman to earn the title of Grandmaster.” She highlighted that this milestone exemplifies the leadership’s commitment to “empower Emirati women and enable them to realise their ambitions across all fields.”
Team V.4-EM-UAE
