Abu Dhabi Selected as Host City for Chess Olympiad 2028

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Abu Dhabi to Host 47th Chess Olympiad in 2028

In a historic moment for the world of chess, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the International Chess Federation have officially signed a contract for Abu Dhabi to host the 47th Chess Olympiad in 2028. This prestigious event will bring together the best chess players from around the globe for two weeks of intense competition.

The decision to award Abu Dhabi the hosting rights came after an electronic vote last December, where the city received an overwhelming 96 votes compared to 60 votes for the city of Genoa in Italy. This victory solidifies Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading destination for international sporting events.

As part of the contract, Abu Dhabi will also host the 4th FIDE Olympiad for People of Determination and the 98th FIDE Congress, further showcasing the city’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity in sports.

The signing ceremony took place at the Abu Dhabi Cycling Club premises on Al Hudayriat Island, where Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and Arkady Dvorkovich, President of the International Chess Federation, put pen to paper on this landmark agreement.

Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan, President of the Asian Chess Federation and President of the Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club, expressed his gratitude for the leadership’s support to the sports sector and athletes. He highlighted the excitement surrounding the upcoming Chess Olympiad and expressed confidence in the UAE national team’s ability to excel in the competition.

Al Awani commended the efforts of the Abu Dhabi and Al Ain Chess Clubs, as well as the Asian and local chess federations, for their contributions to the growth of chess in the region. He emphasized Abu Dhabi’s readiness to host major international events, thanks to its world-class infrastructure.

Dvorkovich shared his pride in returning to the UAE for the Chess Olympiad, citing the country’s remarkable development and modern amenities. He expressed confidence that Abu Dhabi will provide an exceptional setting for the 2028 event, building on the success of the 1986 edition held in Dubai.

The Chess Olympiad is expected to attract 200 federations in the male category, 160 in the female category, and 80 in the People of Determination category. Each team will comprise four main players and a reserve player, setting the stage for thrilling competitions and strategic battles on the chessboard.

The signing ceremony was attended by several officials, underscoring the significance of this partnership between Abu Dhabi and the International Chess Federation. With the countdown to 2028 now underway, chess enthusiasts and sports fans alike can look forward to witnessing the world’s top players compete in the heart of the UAE.