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UAE’s Rouda Al Serkal makes history as first Emirati woman grandmaster

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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.

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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UAE Central Bank revokes insurance broker’s license for violations

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In a major regulatory move, the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has revoked the license of Dynamics Insurance Brokers, citing non-compliance with key financial regulations.

A deep-dive examination by the CBUAE uncovered that the brokerage firm failed to meet licensing terms and regulatory requirements, prompting swift action from the financial watchdog. The move aligns with Article 22 (2) of the Insurance Authority Board of Directors Resolution No. 15 of 2013, which governs insurance brokerage operations in the country.

The UAE’s financial sector is built on trust and transparency, and the CBUAE is doubling down on its mission to uphold integrity in the insurance industry. By keeping a close eye on financial players, the Central Bank ensures the sector remains rock solid and fully compliant with UAE laws.

(Source: Wam)

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UAE budget airline launches direct flights to Almaty from June

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Air Arabia Abu Dhabi has announced a new direct route to Almaty, Kazakhstan, from Zayed International Airport, further expanding its international network. The new service will commence on June 3, 2025, with flights operating three times a week.

Adel Al Ali, Group CEO of Air Arabia, expressed enthusiasm about the launch, stating, “This expansion strengthens connectivity between Abu Dhabi and key global markets.”

He further emphasized the airline’s role in supporting Abu Dhabi’s growth as a tourism and business hub, noting that the new service caters to the increasing demand for budget-friendly travel while enhancing passenger convenience.

With the addition of Almaty, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi now offers direct flights to 30 destinations, giving travellers more choices for regional and international journeys.

Why Visit Almaty?
Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant markets, and rich cultural heritage. The city is an ideal destination for both leisure and business travellers, offering a mix of scenic beauty and modern urban experiences.

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Self-driving taxis are to hit Dubai roads next year

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Self-driving taxis

Dubai is gearing up to introduce self-driving taxis by 2026 as part of its ambitious push towards autonomous mobility.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has expanded its partnerships with leading autonomous driving technology providers, including Uber Technologies, WeRide, and China’s Baidu, through its Apollo Go mobility arm. The autonomous taxis will be available via the Uber platform.

“These partnerships mark a major milestone in Dubai’s Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to make 25 per cent of all city trips autonomous by 2030,” said Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the RTA Board.

Dubai’s Vision for Smart Mobility

This initiative is part of RTA’s broader strategy to position Dubai as a global leader in autonomous transport, reinforcing its vision to become the smartest city in the world.

According to Al Tayer, self-driving taxis will enhance public transport integration, improving first and last-mile connectivity for commuters and making travel across Dubai more seamless.

Apollo Go: The World’s Largest Driverless Fleet

One of RTA’s key partners, Apollo Go, has already achieved significant milestones in autonomous mobility:
150 million km of safe autonomous driving
10+ million autonomous rides completed across 10 Chinese cities
Fully driverless operations launched since February 2024
RT6 Robotaxi, designed for ride-hailing, has been widely adopted by passengers

With Dubai’s push towards AI-driven transport, autonomous taxis are set to transform the way residents and visitors move around the city—ushering in a new era of driverless mobility.

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