SHARJAH, 15th May, 2025 (WAM) -- Grandmaster Salem Abdulrahman, a member of the UAE national chess team and a player for the Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club, will compete in the Sharjah International Chess Masters Tournament, organised by the club and set to take place from Saturday until 26th May.

The championship is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, with the participation of 350 male and female players representing 60 countries.

Salem Abdulrahman leads the UAE contingent in the tournament, which will see full participation from the national team. Among them is Woman Grandmaster Rouda Al Serkal, Arab Champion and player for the Abu Dhabi Chess and Mind Games Club and the national team, as well as Omar Nouman, Omran Al Hosani, Ibrahim Sultan, and several other national team members. Additionally, a large number of players from chess clubs across the UAE will take part in the event.

Meanwhile, 15 arbiters-comprising international and continental officials from various nationalities-will officiate the tournament. The arbiters' panel is chaired by International Arbiter Faisal Al Hammadi, with Salman Al Taher serving as Deputy Chief Arbiter.

Al Hammadi, who also serves as Head of the Technical and Arbiters Committee, stated that the eighth edition features an exceptional presence of experienced international arbiters. The Masters Tournament will be officiated by Salman Al Taher, Nawaf Al Mansouri, Saber Othman of Morocco, and Irina from Russia.

The second tournament will be overseen by Khalil Al Taher, Jamal Qassem of Yemen, Youssef Khalil of Qatar, and Yadviga from Russia. The third tournament will be managed by Mayed Al Abdooli, Zayed Alblooshi, and Talal Alblooshi.

The Anti-Cheating Committee will include Indian official Kubakumar, Secretary of the FIDE Anti-Cheating Commission, and Khalid Al Hadeed from Oman. The Appeals Committee will be chaired by International Arbiter Mahdi Abdulrahim, with its members to be confirmed during the technical meeting on the opening morning of the tournament.

Al Hammadi added that the organising committee has finalised all preparations for the launch of this major international event, recognising the significance of hosting players of such a high calibre from 60 countries.

He emphasised that all selected arbiters possess extensive and accumulated experience. Six arbiters are expected to earn a norm toward the International Arbiter title during this edition.

Furthermore, the tournament presents an opportunity for several players to achieve norms required for international titles, provided they attain the necessary rating points.