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World’s best knights to descend in Dubai for Global Chess League

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Hou Yifan, left, and Magnus Carlsen are among a stellar field for the inaugural Global Chess League.

The Tech Mahindra Global Chess League (GCL) have announced the complete list of players for the upcoming inaugural edition, to be held at the Dubai Chess and Culture Club from June 21 to July 2.

The GCL, in association with the Dubai Sports Council, will feature reigning world champion Ding Liren, the top-ranked chess player and five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen, five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand, and four-time women’s world champion Hou Yifan, among others.

Grandmaster Liren, said: “Global Chess League appeared to be a fantastic opportunity from the moment I heard about it. Not only is it an interesting format, but also, as an Icon player, I get to contribute to an exciting concept that will change the face of the chess world for years to come. Further, knowing that GCL will see participation from players worldwide, it will be a strong field, and I look forward to meeting all the players.”

A five-time world champion, and the reigning four-time rapid chess world champion, Carlsen’s peak Fide rating has been the highest in chess history. “Chess is played by many people worldwide, but it needs to catch up to other major sports as a spectator sport, and I am optimistic that GCL will contribute significantly to this.”

All teams will compete in a one-of-a-kind joint team format at GCL, with each team consisting of six players with a minimum of two women chess players per team. Besides Liren and Carlsen, four former world champions will add to the thrilling level of competition – 2021 rapid world champion Nodirbek Abdusattorov, 2008 blitz world winner Leinier Domínguez, three-time blitz world champion Alexander Grischuk, and Daniil Dubov (2018, rapid).

The league will also feature top female superstars, including Grandmaster (GM) Hou Yifan, the second highest-rated female player of all time. She was the youngest female player ever to qualify for the title of grandmaster at the age of 14.

There will be six teams with each accorded an icon player and two women players in the mixed-team GCL. The full list of icon players is yet to be finalised.

Yifan will be accompanied by WGMs Koneru Humpy, Harika Dronavalli, Kateryna Lagno, Alexandra Kosteniuk, Tan Zhongyi, Nana Dzagnidze, Bella Khotenashvili, Nino Batsiashvili, Irina Krush, International Master Polina Shuvalova, and 2018 European women’s champion in rapid chess, Elisabeth Paehtz.

Yifan said, “Global Chess League has already sparked widespread interest. GCL is certain to take the game in new directions and open doors, which have never been explored before. Chess fans all over the world are in for a treat.”

Six U21 players will also compete in the GCL, with the trio of Grandmasters, Praggnanandhaa R., Raunak Sadhwani, and Nihal Sarin, leading the pack of prodigies for India. GMs Jonas Buhl Bjerre, Javokhir Sindarov and chess prodigy GM Andrey Esipenko complete the list of players in the category.

ALSO READ: Anand sees ‘new beginning’ in Dubai with GCL

In addition to the players mentioned above, the GCL will feature several other superstars of chess, including Grandmasters Vidit Gujrathi, Gukesh D, Arjun Erigaisi, Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, Teimour Radjabov, Yi Wei, Yu Yangyi, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, Richard Rapport, Kirill Shevchenko, Jan-Krzysztof Duda and Salem Salah.

Jagdish Mitra, the GCL board chairman, said, “Apart from being great players, all of them have been ambassadors for the game in their respective countries and worldwide. With them on board, GCL only adds another feather to its cap in becoming a true game changer for the chess ecosystem by introducing a mixed-team format in chess. This is a true testament to our belief in providing equal opportunities to all, regardless of gender.”

 

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Eid travel guide UAE: Free parking, buses and metro timings explained 

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Planning to head out this Eid? Whether you’re visiting family, going mall-hopping or planning a road trip, here’s your all-in-one travel guide across the UAE.

Abu Dhabi: Free parking, no toll fees

In Abu Dhabi, travel just got easier:

  • Free public parking from March 19–22
  • No Darb toll charges during the same period
  • Paid parking resumes March 23

Perfect for stress-free city driving during Eid.

Sharjah: 3 days of free parking

In Sharjah:

  • Free parking on first 3 days of Eid
  • Paid zones still apply in some smart parking areas

Sharjah: More buses, less waiting

The Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority is rolling out:

  • 4,600 intercity bus trips
  • Buses every 5 minutes during peak hours
  • Extended hours at Al Jubail Bus Station

Ideal if you’re travelling between emirates without driving.

Dubai: Metro, malls and movement

In Dubai:

  • Dubai Metro and public transport will run on extended Eid schedules
  • Expect heavy crowds near malls, beaches and tourist hotspots
  • Plan trips early or travel during off-peak hours

Dubai: Beach and traffic tips

  • Some beaches are family-only zones
  • Parking near popular areas will fill up fast
  • Use public transport where possible

Taxis across UAE

Across all emirates:

  • Taxis available 24/7
  • Options include family taxis, ladies-only and accessible vehicles
  • Expect higher demand during peak Eid hours

Travel tips 

  • Leave early to avoid traffic
  • Use transport apps for live updates
  • Always check parking signs (especially in Sharjah & Dubai)
  • Travel late evening for less congestion

This Eid, getting around the UAE is easier, with:

  • Free parking in Abu Dhabi & Sharjah
  • More buses and reduced wait times
  • Extended metro and taxi services

So whether you’re heading to a mall, beach or another emirate, you’re covered.

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Eid Al Fitr in UAE: Abu Dhabi announces free parking and toll waiver

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If you’re driving around Abu Dhabi this Eid, here’s some great news.

Authorities have announced free public parking and suspended toll charges across the emirate during the Eid Al Fitr holiday, making travel easier and more affordable for residents.

Free parking

Under the “Mawaqif” system, public parking will be free from Thursday, March 19 to Sunday, March 22.

Paid parking will resume on Monday, March 23.

Truck parking at Musaffah M-18 will also be free during the holiday period.

No Toll

The Q Mobility has confirmed that Darb toll gate fees will be completely suspended during the same period.

That means:

  • No toll charges from March 19 to 22
  • Regular charges return on March 23

Customer Centres closed

Customer Happiness Centres will remain closed during the Eid break and will reopen on March 23.

However, residents can still access services 24/7 through:

  • TAMM platform
  • Darb mobile app
  • Official websites and helpline

Whether you’re heading out for Eid prayers, visiting family, or exploring the city, this temporary waiver means:

  • Lower travel costs
  • Easier movement across the city
  • Less stress during busy holiday days

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Eid Al Fitr in UAE: Sharjah announces free parking for 3 days 

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Good news if you’re driving around Sharjah this Eid.

The Sharjah Municipality has announced that public parking across the emirate will be free on the first, second and third days of Eid Al Fitr, making it easier for residents and visitors to enjoy the celebrations without worrying about parking fees.

What drivers need to know

The free parking applies to most public spaces, giving drivers more flexibility during the busy holiday period.

However, the Municipality has clarified that:

  • Smart parking zones are not included
  • Some areas will remain paid even during Eid

To avoid fines, motorists are advised to check signage carefully, especially the blue information boards that indicate paid zones.

With malls, parks and beaches expected to be crowded during Eid, free parking comes as a welcome relief for families heading out to celebrate across the emirate.

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