Dr Sheikh Khalid Bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Issa Ataya and Abdullah Murad Al Mazmi during the press conference.

The Olympiad will be held at Al Mamsha from Nov.27 to Dec.18, 2023 with the participation of over 1,000 players from different countries. The details of the Alef International Chess Olympiad were disclosed in a press conference held at the Sharjah Cultural & Chess Club.

Dr Sheikh Khalid Bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Sharjah Cultural & Chess Club; Imran Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Vice Chairman of the Sharjah Cultural & Chess Club, and Issa Ataya, CEO of Alef Group, addressed the media.

Dr Sheikh Khalid hailed His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for his unwavering support of the club and its players.

He also thanked Sheikh Sultan Bin Muhammad Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Sheikh Abdullah Bin Salem Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, for their support.

Dr Sheikh Khalid also thanked Eisa Hilal Al Hazami and the Sharjah Sports Council for their continued support.

He affirmed that the organization of this tournament aims to provide a significant opportunity and great benefit for the club's players and the players of the national team.

“We are pleased to announce the organization of the Alef International Chess Olympiad 2023, sponsored by Alef Group.

“We are particularly thankful to Issa (Ataya), the CEO of Alef Group, for his tireless efforts in making efforts in organizing this Olympics a huge success, as over a thousand athletes from across the world will gain from taking part in these events. This marks the fourth time Alef Group has been serving as a sponsor for the tournaments organized by Sharjah Cultural & Chess Club.”

Praising Alef Group, he stressed that the partnership with the Alfa Group reflects the keenness of both parties to support talents and develop strategic thinking among young people.

Nuaimi revealed that the Alef International Chess Olympiad includes four main tournaments: the Super Stars Championship, National Day, Open Stars, and Future Championship.

In the Super Stars Championship, four senior international masters, namely Yu Yangi from China (rating 2720), Sanan Gujjirov from Hungary (rating 2703), Nehal Sarin from India (rating 2692), and Salem Abdel Rahman from the UAE (rating 2635), will take part. Dhs55,000 is on offer at the championship.

The Stars Championship is open to players of all nationalities and is internationally classified; approximately 500 players will compete. The National Day Championship will see the participation of 80 Emirati players and coincide with the 52nd National Day of the UAE.

The Future Championship includes 400 players from the different schools in the country.

Ataya expressed his pride in the achievements of the Sharjah Cultural & Chess Club.

“These achievements stand as a complement to the sporting journey and cultural renaissance in the UAE.”

He commended the steadfast support provided by the wise leadership of the UAE across all sporting arenas. Ataya praised the support and attention given by Dr. Sheikh Sultan for the development of the sports sector and athletes.

"It is an honor for Alef Group to be a strategic partner and official sponsor for the Alef Chess Olympiad in Al Mamsha, Sharjah 2023, organized by the Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club. The event coincides with the National Day of the UAE."

He emphasized Alef Group's commitment to supporting this tournament, highlighting its cultural and youth significance in promoting analytical and strategic thinking, talent development, and fostering a spirit of fair competition.

“Alef Group sees this as a continuation of the journey initiated by national and private entities in supporting sports and athletes.”

Ataya expressed his gratitude to all those who are contributing to the success of the Chess Olympiad.

He also thanked Dr. Sheikh Khalid, as well as club members and arbitration committees.