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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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UAE weather: Cooler weekend ahead but watch out for strong winds

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The UAE is set for another hot day on Friday before weather conditions begin to shift over the weekend, bringing dust, stronger winds, and slightly cooler temperatures across parts of the country.

According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), Friday’s weather will remain generally fair, although temperatures are expected to rise slightly in several areas.

Inland regions could see temperatures climb between 40°C and 46°C, while coastal and island areas are forecast to reach between 36°C and 42°C. Mountainous areas will remain comparatively cooler, with temperatures ranging from 27°C to 32°C.

Winds are expected to stay light to moderate during the day but may strengthen at times, reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h and creating rougher sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf later at night. The Oman Sea is expected to remain slight to moderate.

The weather is then forecast to change on Saturday, with dust and blowing sand likely to affect parts of the UAE as winds become more active. Temperatures are also expected to ease slightly compared to Friday.

By Sunday, skies could turn partly cloudy, especially in eastern areas, while humidity levels are expected to increase overnight and into Monday morning across some coastal and internal regions. Forecasters also warned of possible mist formation in western areas during the early morning hours.

Looking ahead to Monday and Tuesday, temperatures are expected to rise again gradually, with generally fair to partly cloudy weather continuing across the country. Sea conditions are also forecast to improve, becoming calmer in both the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea by early next week.

The shifting conditions come as the UAE moves deeper into the summer season, with residents already experiencing rising temperatures and occasional dusty weather patterns across several emirates.

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Dubai announces new VAT charges on parking, Salik and permits

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Dubai motorists are set to see a noticeable change in how they pay for parking and toll services from June 1, after both Parkin and Salik confirmed that a 5 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) will officially apply to several services across the city.

The update means drivers using public parking, toll gates and related services will now pay slightly more as part of the UAE’s tax regulations.

According to Parkin, VAT will apply to on-street and off-street parking, seasonal parking cards, permits and reservation services. Meanwhile, Salik confirmed the same tax will also be added to toll gate charges and Salik tag activation fees starting from the same date.

The companies said the collected VAT will be transferred to the UAE’s Federal Tax Authority in line with existing tax laws.

But the changes do not stop there.

Fully cashless payment

In another major shift, Dubai is also moving one step closer towards becoming a fully cashless city. Parkin confirmed that cash payments at parking meters across Dubai will be phased out from June 1 as part of the emirate’s wider digital transformation strategy.

Drivers will still be able to pay for parking using several digital methods, including:

  • The Parkin app
  • SMS parking payments
  • Dubai Now app
  • RTA app
  • Nol cards

The move is expected to make parking payments faster and more streamlined, while reducing the need for cash transactions across the city.

For many motorists, the changes may slightly increase day-to-day driving costs, especially for residents who regularly use paid parking zones and Salik gates during daily commutes.

Dubai has increasingly been expanding smart mobility and cashless services in recent years, with digital transport systems, app-based payments and AI-powered parking technology becoming a larger part of the city’s infrastructure.

Parkin has advised customers to follow its official channels for additional updates and guidance as the new system rolls out.

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Traffic alert: New diversion announced on Sharjah’s Al Khan Road starting Friday

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Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority has announced a temporary traffic diversion on Al Khan Road as part of ongoing road expansion and bridge construction works aimed at improving traffic flow across the emirate.

The diversion will take effect from Friday, with authorities urging motorists to follow approved detour routes and traffic instructions during the construction period.

According to the authority, the works are part of wider infrastructure upgrades designed to reduce congestion and enhance connectivity in one of Sharjah’s busiest traffic corridors.

Drivers have been advised to plan journeys, use alternative routes where possible and comply with traffic safety guidelines to help maintain smooth traffic movement in the area.

The project forms part of Sharjah’s broader transport development strategy focused on upgrading road networks and supporting the emirate’s growing population and mobility needs.

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