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Football superstar Erling Haaland invests in Norway Chess to launch global ‘Total Chess’ Championship Tour

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Soccer superstar Erling Haaland has announced a major investment in Norway Chess, backing the launch of a new global competition format, the Total Chess World Championship Tour.

The initiative, unveiled in Oslo, aims to transform chess into a more spectator-friendly and widely accessible sport. Haaland has partnered with Norwegian business leader Morten Borge to establish a new company, Chess Mates, which will become a significant stakeholder in Norway Chess.

Haaland said his investment reflects a strong belief in chess as both a mental discipline and a global spectator sport.

“Chess is an incredible game. It sharpens your mind, and there are clear similarities to football. You have to think quickly, trust your instincts, and think several moves ahead,” he said.

The newly announced Total Chess World Championship Tour is set to feature four tournaments annually across different cities, bringing together the world’s top players. The competition will crown an overall world champion based on combined performance in three formats: Fast Classic, Rapid, and Blitz.

The tour has been approved by the International Chess Federation for a minimum of 16 years, underscoring its long-term ambition and significance within the global chess calendar.

A pilot tournament is scheduled for autumn 2026, with the first full season expected in 2027. Each season will include four events and offer a minimum prize pool of $2.7 million.

Kjell Madland, CEO of Norway Chess and Total Chess, welcomed Haaland’s involvement, describing it as a major step forward for the sport.

He said Haaland’s global influence and appeal would help attract new audiences and elevate the profile of chess worldwide, adding that preparations are now in the final stages to secure host cities for the inaugural tour.

With millions of fans worldwide, Haaland’s move into chess investment signals a growing crossover between elite sport and strategic mind games, potentially reshaping how chess is consumed and followed globally.

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

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Dubai’s bus shelters are now summer-ready

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As temperatures continue to soar across the UAE, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched a citywide campaign to ensure Dubai’s air-conditioned bus shelters are fully prepared for the peak summer months, when extreme heat combined with humidity can make outdoor conditions especially uncomfortable for commuters.

The inspection drive covers 895 bus shelters across 621 locations throughout Dubai, focusing on cooling systems, maintenance and overall passenger comfort.

Summer readiness checks underway

According to the RTA, the campaign includes:

  • Field inspections
  • Preventive maintenance
  • Technical system checks
  • Immediate repairs where needed

Officials said the goal is to maintain reliable and comfortable public transport facilities during the peak summer months. The authority is committed to ensuring all public transport facilities remain fully operational and accessible for commuters.

Focus on passenger comfort

The shelters are designed to withstand Dubai’s climate, featuring:

  • Air-conditioning systems
  • Heat- and wind-resistant structures
  • Seating and waiting areas
  • Digital bus information screens

They also include accessibility features aligned with Dubai’s Universal Design Code, including dedicated spaces for People of Determination.

Public awareness campaign launched

Alongside the inspections, the RTA has also launched awareness campaigns encouraging residents to help maintain the shelters and keep facilities clean.

Passengers can report maintenance issues or suggestions via the RTA app’s Madinati service, with specialised teams assigned to address complaints and technical observations.

Officials said the shelters are designed with sustainability in mind and continue to play an important role in improving public transport infrastructure and commuter experience across the city.

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Crime

Sharjah Police share simple ways to prevent home and car thefts

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Sharjah Police has launched a new awareness campaign aimed at reducing home burglaries and vehicle theft across the emirate.

The initiative, titled Your Belongings Are Your Responsibility, is being carried out in partnership with Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority as part of broader efforts to strengthen public safety and encourage community vigilance.

Focus on prevention and awareness

Authorities say the campaign is designed to remind residents that simple precautionary measures can significantly reduce theft risks.

The awareness drive encourages people to:

  • Properly secure homes and doors
  • Lock vehicles at all times
  • Avoid leaving valuables visible inside cars
  • Stay alert and report suspicious activity

Multilingual awareness messages

As part of the rollout, safety messages will be shared through multiple communication channels to ensure they reach a wide audience across Sharjah.

The campaign will also include:

  • Multilingual awareness brochures
  • Outreach targeting workers’ accommodations
  • Digital safety content across social media platforms

Sharjah Police stressed that public cooperation remains essential in preventing crime and protecting communities.

Authorities added that vigilance, awareness and responsible behaviour all play a key role in reducing theft incidents and improving overall security across the emirate.

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New survey shows strong quality of life in Dubai

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Life in Dubai continues to rank highly among residents, with 95% saying the city is their preferred place to live, according to the latest survey by the Community Development Authority.

The findings from the 2024–2025 Social Survey paint a picture of a city where happiness, safety and social connection remain key strengths, with overall life satisfaction reaching 8.72 out of 10.

A city that people are proud to call home

The survey shows that 96.4% of residents feel proud to live in Dubai, while the overall happiness score stands at 8.6, reflecting strong confidence in the quality of life across the emirate.

For expats, who make up a large share of the population, these figures highlight Dubai’s continued appeal as a place to live, work and build a future.

Family and community at the core

Strong family ties remain a defining feature, with the Family Bond Index exceeding 95%, while 84% of residents say they have someone to rely on in times of need.

Community engagement is also growing, with volunteering rates rising to over 13%, signalling a shift towards a more connected and socially active population.

Inclusive and connected living

The survey points to broad inclusivity across society:

  • Over 90% of People of Determination feel integrated
  • Similar levels report access to education and essential services
  • Nearly 99% of residents have internet access at home

Happiness among senior citizens also remains high, at nearly 87%, reflecting support across different age groups.

Shaping future policies

Officials say the results support the goals of the Dubai Social Agenda 2033 and the UAE’s Year of the Family, with a focus on strengthening social cohesion and wellbeing.

According to Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, the survey serves as a key tool to guide policy, helping authorities respond to evolving community needs.

For those living in Dubai, the findings reinforce the emirate’s position as a city focused not just on growth, but on quality of life, stability and community wellbeing.

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