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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.”

 

Education

UAE makes it easier for medical teachers and graduates to work in healthcare sector

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In a move designed to strengthen healthcare in the UAE, authorities have made it easier for medical teachers to work in healthcare sector, without compromising on safety or standards. The licensing requirements for some health graduates have also been eased.

So, what’s changing?

Doctors and professors who teach in universities can now practise in the healthcare sector more easily, bringing their knowledge directly into real-world patient care. This means students learn from professionals who are actively working in the field, not just teaching from textbooks.

Officials say this is a win-win. Patients benefit from high-level expertise, while students gain hands-on learning and exposure to real cases.

The update is part of a bigger plan to modernise the system and make it more flexible, while still keeping strict rules in place to ensure quality and patient safety.

It also helps fresh graduates in nursing and allied health fields enter the workforce faster, supporting hospitals with more skilled professionals.

Authorities say the UAE’s strong digital systems and coordination between government entities are helping make these changes smoother and quicker to implement.


This step brings education and healthcare closer together, helping build a stronger, more skilled workforce while improving patient care across the country.


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Dubai RTA expands vehicle testing centres, opens new facility in Jebel Ali

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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a major expansion of vehicle testing and registration services, identifying Deira, Bur Dubai, and Mohammed Bin Rashid City as key locations for new centres.

The move opens up fresh investment opportunities, allowing existing operators and new investors to establish centres or expand branches under approved regulations.

Jebel Ali testing centre fully operational

As part of this expansion, RTA has also launched the Al Riyada Vehicle Testing and Registration Centre in Jebel Ali, which is now fully operational. The centre offers testing and registration services with extended working hours to improve accessibility and customer convenience.

The initiative comes in response to Dubai’s rapid urban growth and increasing demand for efficient transport services. By expanding its network, RTA aims to bring services closer to residents while ensuring faster and smoother transactions.

Besides convenience, the expansion is expected to enhance vehicle inspection processes and raise overall service quality in line with Dubai’s long-term mobility goals.

Dubai currently operates 29 authorised vehicle testing and licensing centres, all equipped with advanced technologies and skilled personnel.


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What UAE’s new remote work rules really mean for employees

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The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has released a detailed guide explaining how remote and hybrid work is regulated in the UAE’s private sector, and the key takeaway is simple: working from home doesn’t mean relaxed rules. Here’s a lowdown on what the rules are:

Are remote workers treated differently?
Not really. Employees working remotely are entitled to the same salary, working hours, leave, and legal protections as office-based staff. The only thing that changes is where the work gets done.

What are employers required to do?
Companies must:

  • Provide clear contracts covering salary, role, and working hours
  • Ensure legal work limits (8 hours/day, 48 hours/week)
  • Grant all leave benefits (annual, sick, maternity, etc.)
  • Provide necessary devices and tools
  • Pay dues on time and avoid charging recruitment fees
  • Monitor performance responsibly

What’s expected from employees?
Remote workers must:

  • Complete tasks themselves (no outsourcing)
  • Stick to agreed working hours
  • Respond promptly and attend virtual meetings
  • Protect company data and use tools properly
  • Deliver work on time and maintain quality

What about working hours and overtime?

  • Standard: 8 hours/day or 48 hours/week
  • Extra hours = paid overtime
  • At least one weekly day off is mandatory

How does leave work?

  • Annual leave: 30 days after 1 year
  • Sick leave:
    • 15 days full pay
    • 30 days half pay
    • 45 days unpaid
  • Maternity leave: 60 days (45 full + 15 half pay)
  • Additional: parental, bereavement, study, and national service leave

Can employers monitor remote workers?
Yes, but monitoring must be reasonable and respect privacy.

What counts as misconduct?

  • Ignoring work during official hours
  • Missing deadlines repeatedly
  • Doing personal tasks during work time
  • Delegating tasks without approval
  • Logging in without actually working

Serious violations can lead to disciplinary action or termination.

How is performance measured?
Not by being “online” but by output and quality of work.

Why this matters
Remote work offers flexibility in location, not in responsibility. The rules make it clear: professional expectations remain just as strict as in the office.

Work-from-home in the UAE is structured, regulated, and performance-driven, same rules, different setting.


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