Arab Chess Championships 2018 concluded in Dubai

Closing Ceremony of the Arab Chess Championships 2018 took place in JW Marriott Dubai Deira on 5 December 2018. The fascinating battles among the best chess players from many Arabic countries in blitz, rapid and classical championships, which took place in Dubai Chess Club, defined chess champions in Arabia.

Closing Ceremony started with the video presentation showing to all attendees the highlights of the championships with sharp moments from the rounds in all three events.

The President of the UAE Chess Federation Dr. Sarhan Al Muaini thanked all participants, guests, organizers and volunteers who made the competition bright. He also thanked FIDE leadership for an attention and support given towards the mutual endeavor to develop game of chess in Arabic countries.

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich sent a video greeting to all participants and organizers on behalf of FIDE. He congratulated all players with individual results, especially winners of all three events. He also mentioned that the winner will participate in FIDE World Cup. FIDE President also assured once again that the World Chess Federation will support all endeavors in developing chess both in Arab world as well as in Asian continents. He announced as well that the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships will be hosted in Saint Petersburg thanks to joint efforts of Russian and Saudi Arabia Chess Federations which shows the unity of the whole chess community to make all efforts not to stop the chess movement. He wished all participants good luck and victories in future competitions.

Arab and UAE Chess Presidents together with FIDE President’s Advisor Berik Balgabaev awarded the medals and Cups to the winners of the Arab Chess Championships:

Arab Blitz Chess Champion 2018 – GM Saleh AR Saleh of the UAE

Arab Women Blitz Chess Champion 2018 – WIM Sabrina Latreche of Algeria

Arab Rapid Chess Champion 2018 – GM Hisham Hamdouchi of Morocco

Arab Women Rapid Chess Champion 2018 – WGM Wafa Shrook of Egypt

Arab Chess Champion 2018 - GM Saleh AR Saleh of the UAE

Arab Women Chess Champion 2018 – WGM Wafa Shahenda of Egypt

All results can be found at www.chess-results.com 

All rounds were live broadcast with commentaries of GM Walter Arencibia and GM Konstantin Landa on youtube. The Closing Ceremony was broadcast live as well.