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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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Pakistani Embassy in UAE to close for Eid and Pakistan Day, here’s when services resume

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The Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi has announced a temporary closure in observance of Eid al-Fitr and Pakistan Day.

According to the embassy, operations will be suspended from Thursday, March 19, to Monday, March 23, 2026, allowing staff and the community to observe both important occasions.

Eid dates to be confirmed

Eid Al Fitr is expected to fall on March 19 or March 20 in the UAE, depending on the official sighting of the crescent moon, which determines the start of the new month in the Islamic lunar calendar.

Plan ahead

Residents requiring consular services are advised to complete their transactions in advance to avoid inconvenience during the closure period.

The announcement ensures clarity for the Pakistani community in the UAE, helping residents plan ahead during the upcoming holiday period.


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UAE travel update: Step-by-step guide to rebook your flydubai flight amid schedule changes

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With flydubai gradually resuming operations after recent disruptions, many travellers may need to adjust their plans. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you rebook your flight or request a refund smoothly.

Who is eligible?

If you had a booking for travel between February 28 and March 31, you can:

  • Rebook your flight within 30 days of your original travel date
  • Cancel for a full refund or travel voucher
  • Make changes without any penalties

How to rebook your flight

1. Check your flight status first
Before making any changes, visit the airline’s official website (https://www.flydubai.com/) and check if your flight is:

  • Cancelled
  • Delayed
  • Still operating

2. Go to “manage booking”
Log in using your:

  • Booking reference number
  • Last name

This section lets you view and modify your booking

3. Choose your option
Depending on your situation, you can:

  • Select a new travel date (within 30 days)
  • Keep the same destination with no extra charges
  • Opt for a travel voucher or full refund if plans change

4. Confirm changes
Once you’ve selected your new flight:

  • Review updated details
  • Confirm the booking
  • Save your new itinerary

 Important tips

  • Do not go to the airport unless your flight is confirmed
  • Keep your contact details updated to receive alerts
  • Monitor your email/SMS for updates from flydubai

When to contact support

Reach out to flydubai if:

  • You didn’t receive a notification
  • You face issues rebooking online
  • Your itinerary involves multiple connections

The rebooking process is designed to be flexible and hassle-free, giving passengers the freedom to adjust plans without stress. Staying informed and acting early will help ensure a smooth travel experience.


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Eid in UAE: Philippine missions announce holiday closure, emergency services to remain available

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The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai have announced the temporary closure of their offices on Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, in observance of Eid Al Fitr.

Despite the holiday closure, both missions reassured the public that essential assistance services will remain available, particularly for urgent cases. The embassy confirmed that its Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) section will continue operating to support Filipinos in need during this period.

Emergency Support Remains Accessible

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and other nationals requiring immediate assistance can reach out through dedicated hotlines:

Abu Dhabi – Embassy Contacts:

  • ATN (OFWs): +971 56 270 9157
  • ATN (non-OFWs): +971 50 443 8003
  • Overseas Workers Welfare Administration: +971 54 557 2121
  • Contract Verification: +971 54 725 8482
  • Consular Concerns: +971 50 813 7836

Dubai – Consulate Contacts:

  • Consular Services (passport, notarial, civil registry): +971 4 220 7800
  • ATN (non-OFWs): +971 56 501 5756
  • Migrant Workers Office: +971 50 652 6626 / +971 56 353 5558

The consulate also confirmed that emergency assistance will remain accessible via designated hotlines throughout the closure.

Normal operations at both Philippine missions will resume on Monday, March 23, ensuring services return promptly after the break.

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