30th Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival Wraps Up in the Emirate

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

The 30th Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival concluded on August 25, 2024, with a grand closing ceremony celebrating the achievements of top players across various categories. Held from August 15 to 25, the festival drew over 2,500 participants from 82 countries, including a record-breaking 333 Emirati competitors.

The closing ceremony was graced by notable figures, including His Excellency Hussein Abdullah Al Khouri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Abu Dhabi Chess and Mind Games Club; Dana Reizniece-Ozola, Managing Director of the International Chess Federation; Aref Al Khouri, Vice President of the Abu Dhabi Chess and Mind Games Club; Abdul Rahim Al Zarooni, Representative of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council; and Suhail Al Awadhi, Director of the Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival.

In the competition's highlight events, Aswath from India claimed the Blitz U16 title, while Farrukh Amonatov from Tajikistan emerged victorious in the Open Blitz tournament. Rajan M. Dinesh from India won Open Tournament A, and Khudoyor Maraimov from Uzbekistan took first place in Open Tournament B. Nodirbek Yakubboev from Uzbekistan secured the Masters Championship title, and Afruza Khamdamova, also from Uzbekistan, won the Ladies’ Championship. The Schools Championship, which included 400 participants from Abu Dhabi schools, was won by Mansur Sharifi from Tajikistan. Additionally, the Communities Championship was topped by the Filipino community.

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During the closing day, His Excellency Hussein Abdullah Al Khouri presented commemorative shields to key partners of the festival. These partners included the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the International Chess Federation, the UAE Chess Federation, the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, Etisalat Group, Reportage Properties, Nirvana Group, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Riviere Water, the Italian International School, Mohammad Rasool Khoory & Sons Co., St. Regis Hotel, and Radisson Blu Hotel Abu Dhabi Corniche.

In his address, His Excellency Al Khouri praised the festival's success, attributing it to the unwavering support from the leadership for sports and athletes, as well as the backing from the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. The festival's impressive turnout and the notable participation of Emirati players underscore its significance as a premier sporting event. The presence of elite international champions and the extensive engagement of local players have solidified the festival's reputation on the global chess stage.