Arab Chess Championships 2018 which unite best chess players from Arabic countries to define the champions in classical, blitz and rapid competitions amongst Arabic national chess federations, started on 26 November in JW Marriott Dubai. The competition is held under the generous patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. HH has already sent his best wishes to all participants of the event. The main sponsor of the event is one of the biggest airlines in the world – Emirates Airlines. Emirates Airlines often supports many sports in the UAE including chess.

The Arab Chess Championships are under way. The Arab Blitz and Rapid Champions 2018 are defined: GM Salem AR Saleh of UAE became the Arab Blitz Champion 2018, with WIM Latreche Sabrina of Algeria who finished first to become the Arab Women Blitz Chess Champion 2018. GM Hicham Hamdouchi of Morocco became the Arab Rapid Champion 2018 and WGM Wafa Shrook has managed to grab the victory and become the Arab Women Rapid Champion 2018.

FIDE Executive Director Victor Bologan and FIDE President’s Advisor Berik Balgabaev paid a visit to Dubai to attend the FIDE Arbiters’ Seminar organized by the UAE Chess Federation with Mahdi Abdulrahim, assistant to the Secretary General as a lecturer. FIDE Executive Director greeted the participants of the seminar, wishing them a good luck in the seminar.

FIDE guests have also attended the Arab Chess Championships both rapid and 5th round of classical events.

FIDE Executive Director Victor Bologan and FIDE President’s Assistant have conducted meetings with Arab Chess Federation and its President Sheikh Saud Al Mualla to discuss the further collaboration between FIDE and Arab Chess Federation. Many important subjects were discussed including the future organization of Arabic chess competitions.

The overall impression of the organization of the Arab Chess Championships 2018 which are organized under the generous auspices of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and with the main sponsorship of the Emirates Airlines was expressed as excellent.

The 6th Round of the Arab Chess Championships 2018 was held on the National Day of the UAE which was celebrated with the National Anthem before the start of the round. Dr. Sarhan Al Muaini congratulated the participants and wished them luck.