Today's Edition
Kuumar Shyam (Abu Dhabi)
The World Federation for Chess Composition (WFCC) is moving headquarters from Geneva to Fujairah, according to a statement from its president and reactions from the new hosts.
Speaking on the sidelines of the fifth Fujairah Endurance Chess Solving Championship, Marjan Kovačević announced the relocation at the Novotel hotel in the emirate.
He revealed that current efforts are focused on completing necessary requirements and specific procedures, paving the way for the official opening of the headquarters towards the end of the year, as Aletihad has learnt. "The transition has already been put in motion," said Mohammad Abdul Ghani Alhallak, the WFCC Secretary.
"For now, the office will have a place at the Fujairah Chess Club until a brand new one, which will have a queen-shape design, is ready to be inaugurated by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah". This is expected to be by November.
The WFCC was known as the Permanent Commission of the FIDE for Chess Compositions (PCCC) from its inception in 1956 until October 2010. It is now independent from FIDE, but both organisations are cooperating. Currently 41 countries are represented in the WFCC.
Fujairah holds a special place for Kovačević and Fujairah's Dr. Abdulla Ali Aal Barket Alameeri, who took charge as President and Vice President in the new dispensation of the WFCC when elections were held in the November of 2022. UAE became the first Arab country in the Middle East to organise the World Chess Solving Championship and to host a general assembly, as it has never been held in the region before.
Meanwhile, Kovačević expressed confidence in Fujairah's ability to elevate the global status of chess and enhance the community of chess enthusiasts, considering its rich experience in hosting various types and categories of chess tournaments.
He mentioned that Fujairah has demonstrated exceptional capability in professionally hosting tournaments and competitions, befitting the stature of the game. He expressed confidence in Fujairah's ability to globally promote chess in the future, noting that the UAE possesses all the resources and options to ensure the success of hosting major sporting events, given its experience and logistical capabilities.
In the same context, Marjan affirmed that the future of chess and chess problem-solving competitions holds significant opportunities for even greater dissemination in the coming years. This potential is leveraged by gaming applications and online playing options, coupled with the increasing number of organised competitions and events worldwide.
