The UAE Chess Federation has announced that Rouda Al Serkal, a player on the national team and at the Abu Dhabi Chess Club & Mind Games, has been awarded the title of "Women Grandmaster" by the International Chess Federation (FIDE).

Al Serkal received the title after triumphing in the Arab Women’s Championship held at the Sharjah Cultural Chess Club last November, making her the first Emirati and Gulf player to achieve this prestigious recognition.

Kholood Al Zarouni, Chair of the Federation’s Women’s Committee, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Sports, the National Olympic Committee, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and the Abu Dhabi Chess and Mind Games Club. She emphasised that this achievement is a result of collaboration between all sports bodies and the Federation. Al Zarouni praised the crucial role played by the Abu Dhabi Chess and Mind Games Club in developing players of both genders.

She also highlighted that this achievement provides a significant morale boost for women’s chess, opens doors to further international titles, and serves as an inspiration for young players to continue their training and participation. Al Zarouni stated that Rouda is an exemplary player who has accumulated numerous titles and consistently strives for greater success.

Al Serkal confirmed that receiving the "Women Grandmaster" title from FIDE serves as strong motivation for the UAE to gain global recognition in chess.

The 16-year-old Al Serkal expressed her excitement about competing for further titles during her upcoming participation in the Asian Individual Chess Championship at the Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club, scheduled to take place from 6th to 15th May. She also looks forward to the World Youth and Women’s Championships in July 2025, aiming to ensure a strong UAE presence in international forums.

Al Serkal noted that Emirati women have reached the highest levels internationally in both sports and other competitive fields, thanks to the support and attention of the wise leadership and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, "Mother of the Emirates," Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation.

Serkal also acknowledged the vital role of the UAE Chess Federation in organising tournaments and supporting the aspirations of players. She commended the Abu Dhabi Chess and Mind Games Club for enhancing the capabilities of all its members through advanced programmes, attracting top coaches, and providing optimal conditions for players to compete.

She expressed her gratitude for her family’s unwavering support in helping her participate in training and tournaments and thanked her primary school, "Al Mawaheb," and its officials for their efforts in nurturing and developing her talent.

Some of Rouda’s Achievements:

• At the age of five, Rouda won the Asian Championship Under-6, earning her recognition as a rising national star.

• As she grew older, her accomplishments continued to multiply, including winning the Under-20 UAE Championship at the age of eight, the World Cadets Championship Under-8 in 2017, the World Schools Under-9 in 2018, and the bronze medal in the Asian Youth Under-14 category.

• Rouda has also claimed victory in the Jeddah Open Tournament and multiple Arab Women’s Championships.

• She was crowned the World Champion in the Solving Puzzles Category C and the West Asian Champion, among numerous other titles.

Chess is rapidly growing in popularity within the UAE, with many FIDE-sanctioned tournaments held in the country every year. A growing number of young people are pursuing chess as a professional sport.

Recently, the UAE has become a hub for global sports, hosting world-class events such as the T20 Cricket World Cup, Asia Cup, IPL, and MMA fights, along with FIFA World Cup and Cricket World Cup qualifiers taking place almost year-round.

Additionally, the ICC Champions Trophy was held in the UAE when India refused to travel to Pakistan due to political tensions between the two countries.