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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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Dubai Metro stations get wayfinding upgrade to make commuting smoother

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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in partnership with Keolis–MHI, has completed a major overhaul of wayfinding signage across all Dubai Metro stations, aiming to make daily journeys simpler and more intuitive for millions of commuters.

The initiative covers both the Red and Green lines and includes the installation and replacement of nearly 9,000 signs, a project that required more than 11,000 work hours. From clearer platform indicators to improved exit signs, the changes are designed to streamline movement within stations and help passengers reach their destinations faster.

Hassan Al Mutawa, Director of Rail Operations at RTA’s Rail Agency, said the upgrades were part of RTA’s ongoing strategy to enhance public transport services. “The plan was designed to modernise signage, improve passenger flow, and make commuting easier and more seamless,” he explained.

Among the highlights:

  • Brighter exit signs: Station exits are now marked with bold yellow boxes for better visibility.
  • Floor stickers & platform guides: These direct commuters towards the correct train lines, easing congestion during peak hours.
  • Cabin-specific markers: Prominent pink and gold boards have replaced older floor markings, making it clearer where Women & Children and Gold Class cabins are located.
  • Etiquette reminders: Stickers across stations now encourage passengers to follow proper transport etiquette, fostering a more comfortable travel environment.

To ensure consistency, updates were also integrated across RTA’s digital platforms, including mobile apps, train and platform announcements, and social media channels.

The enhancements are part of RTA’s wider commitment to making the Dubai Metro not only a backbone of urban mobility but also a commuter experience that is smooth, efficient, and world-class.

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UAE jobs: Thousands of opportunities and internships on offer as Careers Festival returns to Ras Al Khamiah

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Jobseekers across the UAE will have the chance to connect with top employers and explore real career opportunities when the Ras Al Khaimah Jobs and Internships Festival (RAKJIF) returns on October 9. The one-day event at the RAK Exhibition Centre will feature on-the-spot interviews, internships, CV clinics, and personalised career guidance, making it one of the country’s fastest-growing career platforms for young talent and professionals alike.

Ras Al Khaimah is set to host its third edition of the Jobs & Internships Festival (RAKJIF) on Thursday, October 9, at the RAK Exhibition Centre, bringing together leading UAE employers and ambitious jobseekers.

Organised by the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, in partnership with the Investment and Development Office Ras Al Khaimah (IDO) and the Department of Human Resources, the festival has quickly grown into one of the UAE’s most trusted platforms for career development.

This year’s edition will feature employers across key industries, including banking, oil and gas, consulting, engineering, hospitality, and real estate, with opportunities for on-the-spot interviews, CV clinics, and personalised career guidance. More than 1,000 Emirati job seekers are expected to attend.

New for 2025 is the AI & Future of Work Forum, where international experts, business leaders, and policymakers will share insights on how artificial intelligence is reshaping recruitment, workplace culture, and the skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow.

The one-day event, running from 9am to 5pm, aims to serve as a hub for professional growth, networking, and talent development.

For more information or to register, employers and job seekers can visit www.alqasimifoundation.com/rakjif

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New Saudi platform makes Umrah booking easier for UAE residents

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UAE residents planning to perform Umrah can now arrange their pilgrimage directly online, thanks to the launch of Nusuk Umrah, a new digital service introduced by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

Accessible at umrah.nusuk.sa, the platform allows pilgrims to apply for an Umrah visa and book services in one place, including accommodation, transport, and guided tours. Travellers can either choose ready-made packages or customise their trip according to personal needs and budgets.

The service aims to simplify the journey for Muslims living abroad, offering UAE residents a direct alternative to booking through agents while still keeping that option open for those who prefer it.

Officials said the initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy to welcome more visitors and enhance the quality of services for pilgrims.

For many in the UAE, where Umrah is a year-round spiritual journey for families, Nusuk provides greater flexibility and transparency, making it easier than ever to plan a smooth and memorable trip.

How UAE residents can use the Nusuk Umrah platform

1. Visit the official site
Go to umrah.nusuk.sa, the official portal launched by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

2. Create an account
Register with your passport details, email, and mobile number.

3. Apply for an Umrah visa
Submit an application for the e-visa directly through the platform.

4. Book your services
Choose between:

  • Complete packages (visa, flights, hotel, transport, tours)
  • Individual services (hotel only, bus/flight tickets, or guided tours)

5. Customise your journey
Adjust the length of stay, select preferred accommodation near the Haram, and book transport between Makkah, Madinah, and other cities.

6. Pay securely online
Make payments via the platform’s integrated system.

7. Receive instant confirmations
E-visas, hotel bookings, and transport details are shared directly with you — no middlemen needed.

Pilgrims may choose integrated packages or customise their trip by selecting individual services, tailoring the experience to their needs and budget.

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