The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is gearing up to become a global chess hub as Abu Dhabi was chosen to host the 2028 Chess Olympiad. This biennial competition, considered the most prestigious chess team event in the world, sees national teams vying for dominance on the 64-square battlefield. The UAE's capital securing the hosting rights marks a significant achievement for the country's burgeoning chess movement and is expected to draw a throng of grandmasters, international delegations, and chess aficionados to the city.
This isn't the UAE's first foray into hosting the Chess Olympiad. Chess enthusiasts may recall Dubai's successful stint in 1986, which is considered one of the best Olympiads ever held. Abu Dhabi's bid for 2028 triumphed over Genoa, Italy, after a vote by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in December 2023. The UAE's proposal impressed FIDE with its commitment to chess development, particularly its pledge to allocate one million euros to support chess programs in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
The Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the UAE Chess Federation jointly submitted the winning bid. The proposed venue for the 2028 Chess Olympiad is the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), boasting the distinction of being the largest exhibition center in the Middle East. Prior to the vote, FIDE representatives meticulously evaluated both Abu Dhabi and Genoa's proposed venues and infrastructure. This included meetings with local authorities and potential organizers to ensure a world-class event.
The UAE's chess scene has been steadily gaining momentum in recent years, with a growing number of talented young players emerging. The prospect of hosting the Chess Olympiad is expected to further propel this growth by inspiring a new generation of chess players and enthusiasts. The event will not only be a competition but also a platform to showcase Abu Dhabi's world-class infrastructure, cultural tapestry, and burgeoning sporting scene to a global audience.
With the 2024 Chess Olympiad set for Budapest, Hungary, and Uzbekistan hosting the 2026 edition, chess fans around the world now have another exciting event to look forward to in Abu Dhabi in 2028. The UAE capital is poised to become a hive of strategic thinking and intellectual prowess as it prepares to welcome the world's finest chess minds.