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Carlsen ‘excited’ about chess league debut in Dubai

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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.

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UAE official denies reports of worker visa cancellations amid regional tensions

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The UAE has rejected reports claiming it is cancelling workers’ residency visas or providing financial facilities to Iran, calling the claims false and part of what it described as a wider media campaign.

Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, said on Wednesday that the country remains focused on managing regional developments and preparing for the next phase rather than being distracted by misinformation.

In a post on X, Gargash said some platforms were circulating what he described as false information about the UAE while authorities continued to focus on developments on the ground.

He specifically dismissed rumours about the cancellation of workers’ residency visas and alleged financial support for Iran, saying the claims were incorrect.

Gargash said the UAE’s response to such reports would be through “work and achievements on the ground”, arguing that verifiable facts and tangible results were stronger than rumours.

His comments come amid heightened regional tensions and a wave of unverified claims circulating online. The UAE official urged attention to facts and concrete developments rather than what he described as media noise.


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New Dubai bridge linking Emirates Road to Al Qudra Road now open

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Motorists can now use a new bridge connecting Emirates Road to Al Qudra Road, as Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) continues work to improve traffic movement along the corridor.

The newly opened bridge provides a direct connection for vehicles travelling from Emirates Road towards Al Qudra Road, helping improve access to the surrounding areas and ease traffic movement.

The opening is part of ongoing enhancement works on Al Qudra Road aimed at improving the efficiency of Dubai’s road network and supporting growing traffic demand.

The RTA said the latest improvement is expected to help reduce congestion and provide smoother, more efficient journeys for motorists.

Further road development works along the Al Qudra corridor are continuing as part of Dubai’s wider efforts to strengthen connectivity and keep pace with the emirate’s urban expansion.


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UAE motorists warned of road closures in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah this week

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Motorists in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah should plan this week, with authorities announcing temporary road closures for maintenance and infrastructure works.

Abu Dhabi: E22 to close overnight

Abu Dhabi Mobility will close the E22 Abu Dhabi–Al Ain Road towards Abu Dhabi on the nights of August 19, 20 and 21.

The closure will be in effect from midnight until 6am each night.

Drivers are advised to plan their journeys around the overnight closure and follow traffic signs and approved diversions in the affected area.

Sharjah: Three-day road closure

Meanwhile, Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority has announced a three-day closure on a section of road running from Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan Bu Alian Square to Saeed bin Obaid Al-Jarwan Square, on the Al-Jazat side.

The closure will run from Wednesday to Friday as authorities carry out road maintenance and infrastructure development works.

Motorists have been advised to use approved alternative routes, follow diversion signs and comply with traffic safety instructions.

Drivers travelling through either emirate are encouraged to allow extra time for their journeys and check road conditions before setting out.


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