Arkady Dvorkovich, FIDE president, has hailed Ibrahim Al Bannai-led Dubai Chess and Culture Club.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Arkady Dvorkovich, president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), has hailed the Dubai Chess and Culture Club for its rich history in promoting the sport ahead of the Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Cup.

The Dubai Chess and Culture Club received a letter of praise from Arkady Dvorkovich, the president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) wishing the best to the club who are organizing the Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Cup from December 5-10, 2021 alongside the World Championship Match at Expo 2020 Dubai.

“It is gratifying that the Dubai Chess Club, one of the most successful chess clubs in Asia and the world, with a long-lasting history of organizing top FIDE and other international events, is holding this tournament concurrent with the jewel of the chess crown — the World Championship match,” added Dvorkovich.

Dubai Chess and Culture Club will organize the Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Cup in honour of the late Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the former Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance and Industry.

The international chess tournament will also be a fitting tribute to one of the great leaders and sports patrons of Dubai and the UAE.

A total of 24 invited elite grandmasters will get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete for the $30,000 in total prize fund, while also experiencing two of the world’s most significant events taking place this year: the World Chess Championship and the World Expo mega event in Dubai.