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Carlsen ‘excited’ about chess league debut in Dubai

Published

3 years ago

May 31, 2023

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World Rapid Chess champion Magnus Carlsen is looking forward to the “exciting prospect” of the upcoming Global Chess League (GCL) in the UAE. A joint venture between Tech Mahindra and world governing body FIDE, the GCL will feature Carlsen, a former five-time world chess champion, as an icon player.

With six teams, the inaugural edition of the GCL will be held from June 21 – July 2 at the Dubai Chess & Culture Club in association with the Dubai Sports Council. Grandmaster Carlsen said: “It is an exciting prospect for me to be a part of. This will be something new. Something that has not been done this way in over-the-board chess. I am looking forward to exploring this format in the future.”

Magnus Carlsen is the reigning Rapid Chess world champion.

The league will see each of the six franchises play a total of 10 matches in a double round-robin format, with the winner of each match being decided in a best-of-six board scoring system played simultaneously. The top two teams will qualify for the final and be crowned the World Champion Franchise Team.

Carlsen, who is known for his experimental views on chess, believes that team format matches are something that he really prefers. “Personally I very much enjoy team events and the team spirit within the group. I am looking forward to meeting the other players in the team, and competing with and against the exciting young generation of Indian players. One of the really good things about this tournament is that men and women can compete against each other at the same stage.”

Carlsen also rated the Indian talent that is coming through very highly by saying, “I think India is doing a lot of right things so far, and it is a matter of time before it is clearly the leading chess nation in the world.”

Hailing Tech Mahindra’s involvement with the league as a welcome move, Carlsen said: “I am happy that an ambitious partner like Tech Mahindra has joined the chess ecosystem. I believe this is a positive move for chess.”

Finally, in the conversation, Grandmaster Carlsen also reminisced about his best memories from his chess journey and said that he is thankful for his family’s support. “My family has always been very supportive without ever pushing me, and for that, I’m very grateful. The year we travelled together when I was 13, earning my Grandmaster norms, will always be a fond memory,” he said.

Related Topics:champion Dubai Featured GCL Global Chess League icon IPL Magnus Carlsen team

Staff Reporter

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UAE residents invited to join public moon sighting in Dubai

Published

10 hours ago

May 12, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Dubai residents will have the chance to take part in a traditional moon sighting event this weekend as authorities prepare to confirm the start of Dhu Al Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar and the lead-up to Eid Al Adha.The

The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department announced it will host a public moon-sighting event on May 17 at Jebel Nazwa Trail, with observations beginning at 5pm.

The sighting of the Dhu Al Hijjah crescent will determine the official start of the Hijri month and confirm the dates for Eid Al Adha in the UAE.

Eid Al Adha holiday dates expected soon

If the crescent moon is sighted on the evening of Sunday, May 17, then Dhu Al Hijjah will begin on Monday, May 18.

Astronomers say this is currently the most likely scenario, which could also pave the way for a six-day Eid Al Adha holiday in the UAE.

The UAE’s official moon sighting committee will announce the final decision shortly after sunset, following observations from accredited observatories, field teams and public testimonies across the country.

Why the moon sighting matters

The Islamic calendar follows lunar cycles rather than the solar-based Gregorian calendar, meaning the start of each month depends on the visibility of the crescent moon.

Sunday, May 17, marks the 29th day of Dhu Al Qa’dah, the 11th month in the Hijri calendar. The next month, Dhu Al Hijjah, includes the Hajj pilgrimage and Eid Al Adha celebrations observed by Muslims worldwide.

Authorities have urged members of the public to participate in the event and experience one of Islam’s long-standing traditions firsthand.

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Dubai adds four new neighbourhoods to free Bus On Demand network

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10 hours ago

May 12, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Getting around Dubai just became easier and cheaper for commuters in some of the city’s busiest neighbourhoods.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has expanded its popular Bus On Demand service to four new areas: Al Qusais, JVC, Al Warqa’a and Dubai Investments Park.

Even better, the service is currently being offered free of charge in the newly added zones as part of the latest rollout.

The app-based service allows residents to book small shared buses directly from their location to their destination, offering a flexible alternative to traditional public transport.

How Dubai Bus On Demand works

Using the Bus On Demand app, passengers can request a ride similar to booking a taxi, but at a much lower fare. The buses can carry up to 13 passengers and operate without fixed bus stops inside service zones.

The service now covers 15 Dubai neighbourhoods, including:

Al Barsha 1, 2 and 3
Al Karama
Al Mankhool
Al Nahda
Al Qusais
Al Rigga
Al Warqa’a
Barsha Heights
Business Bay
DIFC
Dubai Academic City
Downtown Dubai
Dubai Investments Park
Dubai Silicon Oasis
Jumeirah Village Circle
Oud Metha
Port Saeed

Timings and fares

The service operates:

Monday to Thursday and Saturday: 5am to midnight
Friday: 5am to 1am
Sunday: 8am to midnight

Standard fares are:

Dhs5 per trip
Dhs4 for additional passengers on the same booking
Dhs7 for interzone travel
Dhs2 within Business Bay

Interzone routes available

Passengers can also travel between selected neighbouring areas through six interzone routes:

Al Barsha – Barsha Heights
Al Rigga – Port Saeed
Al Karama – Oud Metha
Al Karama – Al Mankhool
Business Bay – Downtown Dubai
Dubai Silicon Oasis – Dubai Academic City

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UAE announces Eid Al Adha break for public sector

Published

10 hours ago

May 12, 2026

Michael Gomes

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The UAE has announced a week-long Eid Al Adha holiday for federal government employees, with public sector workers set to enjoy a five-day break later this month.

Federal Authority for Government Human Resources confirmed that holidays for federal entities will begin on Monday, May 25, and continue until Friday, May 29, with work resuming on Monday, June 1.

A separate announcement for private sector workers is expected soon from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

Meanwhile, Dubai authorities will host a public moon-sighting event for the Dhu Al Hijjah crescent on May 17 at Jebel Nazwa Trail.

The event is being organised by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department and will begin at 5pm, before sunset observations take place.

Astronomical calculations suggest Eid Al Adha is likely to begin on Wednesday, May 27, although official confirmation will depend on the moon sighting.