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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’s latest road upgrades: RTA cuts commute times across 18 neighbourhoods

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If your drive home felt a little smoother today, you aren’t imagining it. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) just wrapped up a massive 13km road enhancement project across 18 different Dubai neighbourhoods.

We’re talking new pavement, better street lighting, and smarter roadside parking, all designed to make your daily point A to point B a whole lot easier.

40% faster journeys

The Director of Roads at RTA, Hamad Al Shehhi, confirmed that these upgrades aren’t just about looks. By paving previously unpaved sections and tightening up the road networks, the RTA has managed to slash journey times by up to 40% in these areas.

Is your neighbourhood on this list?

The project was rolled out in phases to cover a massive chunk of the city. Here are the 18 residential areas that just got a major makeover:

  • North & East: Al Khawaneej 1, Al Mizhar 1 & 2, Al Twar 1, Al Rashidiya, Mirdif, and Muhaisnah 1.
  • Central: Jumeirah 1, Al Satwa, Al Hudaiba, Zaabeel 1, and Nad Shamma.
  • South & Industrial: Al Barsha 1, Al Barsha South 1, Al Quoz 1 and 3, Umm Suqeim 1, and Umm Ramool.

More than just asphalt

This project was a full glow-up for local streets. Aside from the new roads, the RTA added:

  • Provision of roadside parking (no more circling the block!).
  • New pavements for a more pedestrian-friendly vibe.
  • Upgraded street lighting to keep things safe after sunset.

With all the latest upgrades, Dubai wants to make city life better for citizens as it grows.

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Sharjah Ruler saves local tourism and wildlife: New eco-friendly boats coming to Kalba lake

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In a move that’s the definition of a win-win, His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has stepped in to save a local business while protecting Sharjah’s wildlife. He suspended a decision by the Department of Economic Development to shut down a tourist boat project operated by Abu Hamad from Kalba. 

What happened?

The Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) originally pulled the plug on the project because traditional boat propellers were becoming a danger to the rare turtles living in the lake. While it seemed like the end of the road for the project, Sheikh Dr Sultan went on the Direct Line radio programme to deliver some good news.

The green solution

Instead of closing the business, the Ruler ordered a total tech upgrade. Here’s how the project is being saved:

  • Propeller-free zone: The traditional boats will be replaced with specially designed, eco-friendly versions that won’t harm marine life.
  • Custom-built: If these specific boats aren’t available on the market, Sheikh Dr Sultan confirmed they will be specially manufactured for the project.
  • Full support: The owner, Abu Hamad, was personally reassured that he would be supported so he could continue his work without any financial loss.

This isn’t just about one business, it’s about how Sharjah is balancing tourism with its fragile ecosystems. Kalba’s mangroves are home to some of the region’s most unique habitats, and this intervention ensures that people can still explore the natural beauty of the emirate without putting wildlife at risk.

“We will provide boats designed for such environments, boats that do not use propellers but operate in a way that does not harm these living creatures,” said Sheikh Dr Sultan.

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US Embassy lifts shelter-in-place for UAE staff: What citizens need to know

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After a tense period, the US Embassy in the UAE has officially called off its shelter-in-place advisory for employees. With attacks coming to a halt, staff are back on the move, but the embassy is making it clear: Stay alert.

The Current status?

While the stay indoors order is over, it’s not exactly business as usual. Here’s the breakdown of where things stand right now:

  • Travel advisory: The UAE remains at Level 3: Reconsider Travel.
  • Staffing: Non-emergency personnel are still relocated outside the country, meaning the embassy and consulate are on ordered departure status.
  • Services: Routine visa services are suspended, and consular help is currently limited to emergencies and essential passport services.

Tips for US citizens in the UAE

The embassy is advising everyone to keep their guard up. If you’re a US citizen in the area, here is your checklist:

  1. Get the App: Enroll in STEP (Smart Traveller Enrollment Programme) to get real-time security pings.
  2. Stay prepared: Keep food, water, and medications handy. Whenever the emergency alarm is sounded, stay away from glass windows.
  3. Charge up: Keep your phone charged and save those emergency numbers.
  4. Low profile: Be aware of your surroundings and keep your friends/family posted on where you are.

Emergency contacts

  • UAE Emergency Services: 999
  • US Embassy Abu Dhabi: +971-2-414-2200
  • US Consulate Dubai: +971-4-309-4000
  • State Dept (Global): +1 202-501-4444

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