A 15-year-old chess prodigy from the UAE has made history by becoming the first Emirati and Gulf player to be awarded the prestigious Women Grandmaster (WGM) title by the International Chess Federation.

Rouda Al Serkal, a rising star in the sport and a member of the national team and Abu Dhabi Chess Club & Mind Games, secured the title after dominating the Arab Women’s Championship at the Sharjah Cultural Chess Club last November.

The announcement, made by the UAE Chess Federation, has been hailed as a game-changing moment for Emirati women in competitive chess.

Kholood Al Zarouni, Chair of the Federation’s Women’s Committee, credited the nation’s sports institutions for their role in developing chess talent, highlighting the Abu Dhabi Chess and Mind Games Club as a key factor in Al Serkal’s success.

A New Era for Emirati Chess

Describing Al Serkal as a “model player”, Al Zarouni emphasised that the teenager’s groundbreaking achievement would inspire more young Emirati women to pursue chess at an international level.

For Al Serkal, the WGM title is just the beginning. She has her sights set on even bigger victories, with upcoming appearances at the Asian Individual Chess Championship in Al Ain this May, followed by the World Youth and Women’s Championships in July 2025.

With a strong backing from the UAE Chess Federation, elite coaching programmes, and the dedication of her family and school, Al Serkal is poised to make even greater strides in the world of chess.

The UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia are preparing a joint bid to host the 2035 or 2039 Rugby World Cup, marking a major step in the region’s growing involvement in global sports. The president of Asia Rugby, Qais Al Dhalai, has confirmed the bid, which aims to bring the prestigious tournament back to Asia for the first time since Japan hosted it in 2019.

Asia Rugby has pledged its full support for the bid, emphasizing the Middle East’s potential as a premier host destination. The organisation has urged World Rugby to consider multi-nation bids, a model that has been successful in football, including the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

A Bold Vision for Rugby in the Gulf

“As our leaders in the Gulf believe, nothing is impossible,” Al Dhalai told The Times. “I foresee this as something that might happen in 2035. If World Rugby works hard on this with a solid plan, it is achievable.”

He highlighted the readiness of stadiums across the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia to host a world-class event, stressing that a multi-nation model could transform the Rugby World Cup just as it has for football.

To accommodate the region’s climate, the proposed tournament would take place in December and conclude in January, ensuring optimal conditions for players and fans. This timing would require adjustments to the global rugby calendar, particularly the Six Nations tournament, which traditionally starts in February.

Gulf Nations Poised to Boost Rugby’s Global Appeal

Al Dhalai, who also serves as president of the UAE Rugby Federation, expressed confidence that hosting the Rugby World Cup in the Middle East would unlock unprecedented commercial opportunities for the sport. He pointed to the strong financial backing available in the region, citing existing partnerships such as Emirates Airlines’ sponsorship of World Rugby and the Dubai Sevens, as well as Qatar Airways’ recent investment in the United Rugby Championship.

“The Gulf is home to major corporations and sovereign wealth funds that are eager to invest in global sports. Rugby is already benefiting from this, and a World Cup in the region would be a game-changer,” Al Dhalai said.

A Transformative Opportunity for Rugby

While rugby is still in its developmental phase in the Gulf, hosting a World Cup would significantly accelerate the sport’s growth. Asia Rugby remains convinced that the commercial appeal and fanbase across the wider Asian continent would ensure a successful tournament.

The bidding process for the 2035 Rugby World Cup is set to begin within the next two years, with competition from European nations like Italy and Spain. The UAE and its Gulf partners will be making a strong case, not just as hosts but as key players in rugby’s global expansion.

(Source: Times)

The Dubai World Cup is set to captivate the world once again. The 29th edition of the iconic horse racing fixture, taking place at Meydan Racecourse on Saturday, April 5, will be broadcast in a staggering 170 countries worldwide.

Known as the most international race day on the planet, the event will feature elite competitors from over a dozen nations battling it out across nine thrilling races, headlined by the $12 million Dubai World Cup.

A record-breaking 37 broadcasters will air the spectacle live, including Channel 7, which will bring the race to Australian mainstream TV for the first time. Canada’s Sportsnet and India’s Fancode — with a whopping 160 million users — are also on board.

Other major networks include Fox Sports (US), ESPN/Star+ (South America), SuperSport (Africa), and top European broadcasters like Eurovision, Viaplay, and Setanta Sports.

In the Middle East, fans can catch the action on Dubai Racing Channel, Yas TV (Abu Dhabi), and Saudi Sports Channel. Asia won’t miss out either, with coverage on Japan’s Green Channel, Fuji TV, Kansai, and NetKeiba, as well as HKJC TV, Cable TV, Now TV, and TVB in Hong Kong.

Even cruise lines and airlines — including title sponsor Emirates Airline—will stream the event, ensuring fans can watch from anywhere. And with CNN Worldwide bringing highlights to its 347 million viewers, the Dubai World Cup is set to make waves like never before.

(Source: Wam)