News
World’s best knights to descend in Dubai for Global Chess League
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.”
🚨 It’s Official | @chessqueen Just Made #TheBigMove
Prepare for an extraordinary display of strategy! ♜💥
The resolute Grandmaster #AlexandraKosteniuk joins #GlobalChessLeague #GCL pic.twitter.com/BL2pJJ7e11— Tech Mahindra Global Chess League (@GCLlive) May 23, 2023
The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has clarified six situations in which employees may not receive compensation for workplace injuries or occupational diseases.
The rules are part of the country’s occupational health and safety framework, which aims to reduce workplace accidents while ensuring employers and employees follow safety standards.
When compensation can be denied
According to MoHRE, employees may lose their right to compensation if they:
- Intentionally injure themselves.
- Are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicating substances at the time of the incident.
- Deliberately ignore clearly displayed workplace safety instructions.
- Cause the injury through intentional misconduct.
- Refuse, without a valid reason, to undergo a medical examination or follow prescribed treatment.
- Are found by authorities to have intentionally violated workplace safety regulations.
Employer responsibilities
Under UAE labour laws, employers must provide a safe workplace by:
- Supplying personal protective equipment (PPE) free of charge.
- Training employees on workplace safety.
- Conducting health checks where required.
- Keeping records of workplace injuries and occupational diseases.
- Reporting workplace accidents to the relevant medical and police authorities.
Employers are also required to investigate workplace incidents and maintain health records for employees exposed to occupational risks.
Compensation rules
Employers must cover medical treatment costs for work-related injuries and occupational diseases.
Compensation is calculated based on the employee’s latest basic salary and should be paid within 10 days of the medical report determining the level of disability.
If a workplace injury results in permanent disability or death, compensation is paid according to UAE labour regulations, with the final assessment made by a specialised medical committee.
Importantly, employers cannot terminate an injured employee’s contract until all legal entitlements have been settled.
What counts as a work injury?
A work injury includes accidents that happen while performing job duties, as well as certain accidents during direct travel to or from work. Occupational diseases linked to an employee’s job are also covered under UAE law.
Focus on prevention
MoHRE says the regulations are designed to balance employee protection with personal responsibility. While workers are protected when injuries occur during the course of employment, they are also expected to follow workplace safety rules.
The ministry continues to inspect private-sector companies to ensure compliance, helping create safer and healthier workplaces across the UAE.
Two new Etihad Rail passenger stations to open in Abu Dhabi this November
UAE workplace injury compensation: Know the rules before you claim
DP World ILT20 is opening doors for local cricket talent, says UAE Fast Bowler Muhammad Rohid
-
Entertainment6 months agoDubai launches ‘Dubai+’ family streaming platform to boost digital media and creative economy
-
News7 months agoEtihad Rail reveals UAE passenger network: Faster, easier travel for residents from 2026
-
Announcements6 months agoDubai unveils mega Dubai Food District, set to become one of the world’s largest food trade hubs