Today's Edition
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
For long, the UAE has had one flag-bearer in chess. But now, it has two. Joining Salem AR Saleh in the Grandmaster (GM) category is Rouda Alserkal, who has become the first Woman Grandmaster (WGM) of the UAE and the Gulf region at 16.
The prodigious talent has represented the national team across age categories as well as at the Abu Dhabi Chess Club & Mind Games. Although she achieved the title after winning the Arab Women's Championship – held in November at the Sharjah Chess and Cultural Club - the world governing body FIDE issued the certificate now.
The certificate, seen by Aletihad, is signed by FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich and says: "FIDE is pleased to confirm herewith that Rouda Essa Alserkal (ID: 9314318) of the United Arab Emirates has obtained the title of Woman Grandmaster in the year 2025."
With this, the UAE has its second GM after Saleh, who incidentally achieved his GM status in 2009, the year Alserkal was born.
"Winning the Grandmaster norm feels amazing," Rouda said.
"I was so happy and honestly a bit relieved because all the hard work and training finally paid off, it was one of those moments where it takes a little while to sink in, and I just sat there thinking about how far I'd come.
"Personally, it felt like a huge achievement, that all the effort was worth it. For women's chess in the UAE, it meant a lot too, I hope it shows other girls that they can reach for big goals in chess. It's all about believing in yourself and working hard," she said.
Rouda is now looking forward to competing in the Asian Individual Chess Championship in Abu Dhabi from May 6 to 15. She said that receiving the WGM title is a strong motivation for the UAE to achieve global recognition in chess.
She expressed gratitude to Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF).
On behalf of the UAE Chess Federation, the chairperson of the women's committee, Kholood Al Zarouni, thanked the sports ministry, the National Olympic Committee, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and the Abu Dhabi Chess and Mind Games Club for their cooperation in developing the sport and players across genders.
She emphasised that this achievement is a boost for women's chess and opens the door to more international titles, while motivating young players to continue training and participating in the sport.
Career Highlights
· Won the 2014 Asian Championship Under-6 title
· Won U20 title at the UAE Championship at the age of eight
· 2017 World Cadets Championship in U8
· World Schools U9 crown in 2018
· Bronze medal in the 2023 Asian Youth U-14 category
· Arab Women's Champion (multiple times)
