Connect with us

Sports

UAE’s Rouda Al Serkal makes historic debut at Norway Chess 2025

Published

on

Spread the love


Seventeen-year-old Rouda Al serkal just made history as the first Emirati woman to compete at the prestigious Norway Chess 2025 tournament, a defining moment in what’s already been a breakthrough year.

Earlier in 2025, Rouda was officially recognised as the UAE’s first and youngest Woman Grand Master (WGM). Now, she’s taking her game to one of the toughest international platforms in the chess world.

Breaking Barriers 

Rouda’s debut wasn’t about just wins and losses. Although she dropped her opening match to Ukraine’s Platon Galperin, she’s focused on something far more meaningful: the experience, the learning, and the impact.

“My biggest goal is to achieve the Grandmaster title, not just the Woman Grandmaster title,” she said, underlining her ambitions to compete at the sport’s absolute highest level.

A Role Model for the Region

Her presence at Norway Chess has already inspired many, with tournament founder Kjell Madland calling her participation “inspirational.”

“For a young Emirati woman to compete in the open category, it’s groundbreaking,” Madland said. “Rouda is breaking barriers we didn’t even know existed.”

Her journey represents a wider shift for Arab women in sport, proving that with the right support, talent can shine on any stage.

The Journey Started at Home

Rouda’s love for chess began at home in the UAE, playing with her father, Essa Alserkal, and other family members. Her early passion led her to the Abu Dhabi Chess Club, and by the age of five, her talent was already turning heads.

Since then, her list of accomplishments has grown impressively:

  • U20 UAE Champion
  • 2017 World Cadets Champion
  • UAE’s first and youngest Woman Grand Master

The Future Is Just Beginning

She is already a woman grandmaster, and now has her sights set on the ultimate goal: becoming a Grandmaster, the highest honour in chess, regardless of gender. Rouda about 2,100 points in her rankings and needs to rise to 2,500 to bag Grandmaster title.

“I’m just getting started,” she says. “It’s an honour to represent the UAE on this stage, and I’m here to fight for every game,” Rouda said about the Norway tournament.

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.

Sports

Rio Ferdinand house for sale: Man Utd legend puts Kent mansion on market after Dubai move

Published

on

Spread the love

Rio Ferdinand may be done with UK living, for now.

The former Manchester United star, 47, has listed his seven-bedroom Kent mansion for £10.5 million (Dh52 million), hinting his move to Dubai is permanent.

Set in the exclusive Farnborough Park estate, the 12,500 sq ft home features landscaped grounds, a private gym, grand reception spaces, and a luxury master suite with dual dressing rooms. He bought it in 2008 for around £2.7 million, meaning a potential £8 million profit, though tax could apply depending on residency status.

Ferdinand moved to Dubai last year with his wife Kate and their children. They are now living in a luxury villa in Al Barari.

He has been candid about the move, citing more family time, an improved lifestyle, and the appeal of a fresh start. “The lifestyle, safety and weather, it just works for us,” Ferdinand said in the report.

He’s not alone. Vincent Kompany is also reportedly selling his UK home, as more football names rethink where they’re based.

Continue Reading

Sports

Big game tonight: Expect traffic delays around Dubai’s Al Wasl Club

Published

on

Spread the love

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has alerted motorists to expected traffic delays on key roads on Wednesday, April 22, due to the AFC Champions League 2 match taking place at Al Wasl Club.

The fixture between Qatar’s Al Ahli and Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia is part of the ongoing AFC Champions League 2, Asia’s second-tier continental competition, which has been drawing strong crowds across the region. Matches at this stage of the tournament typically attract large numbers of fans, especially when hosted in major cities like Dubai, leading to increased traffic around stadium zones.

Authorities expect congestion on roads leading to and around the stadium, particularly during pre-match and post-match hours, as supporters head to watch the game live.

Motorists are advised to plan their journeys, allow extra travel time, and consider alternative routes to avoid delays.

To help ease congestion, the RTA confirmed that additional parking spaces will be available behind the stadium, offering more options for those attending the match.

The advisory is part of ongoing efforts to manage traffic during major sporting events and ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience for residents and visitors across Dubai.

Continue Reading

News

Free 5KM run in Abu Ahabi, but expect road closures

Published

on

Spread the love

If you’re driving around Abu Dhabi this weekend, you might want to plan, because several key roads are set to close.

The Run for the Nation 5km race is taking over Wahat Al Karama this Saturday, bringing together the community for a morning of fitness and fun.

But it also means temporary traffic disruptions you should know about.

Here’s what’s happening
Organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in partnership with the Zayed Charity Run, the event kicks off at 8am, and it’s completely free to join.

To keep runners safe, road closures will be in place from 5am to 10am around the area.
There are additional lane closures on E20 due to ongoing infrastructure works:

• Right lane towards Abu Dhabi closed from April 17 (2pm)- April 20 (5am)
• Entry & exit from Al Fursan Street closed from April 18-April 19

Expect delays around Al Fursan Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20).

What should motorists do
• Leave earlier than usual
• Follow diversion signs
• Avoid the area if possible during peak hours

While traffic may slow things down, the event is all about community, fitness, and bringing people together, a big win for Abu Dhabi’s active lifestyle push.

So whether you’re running or just commuting, be ready, plan smart, and stay moving.

Continue Reading

Popular

© Copyright 2025 HEADLINE. All rights reserved

https://headline.ae/