UAE’s Mouzah shines at World Amateur Chess Championship

The UAE has achieved an unprecedented milestone in the world of chess, as Mouzah Nasser Al Shamsi, a player from the national team and Al Ain Chess & Mind Sports Club, clinched the title at the World Amateur Chess Championship (U1700W).

The tournament concluded in the city of Vrnjacka Banja, Serbia, from November 5 to 13, with wide participation from top female players around the globe.

The Emirati champion dominated the tournament from the early rounds through to her final victory, finishing ahead of Kazakhstan’s Ayla Konishbayeva in second place, while India’s Disha UA claimed third.

This victory marks a historic first for the UAE, the Gulf region, and the Arab world in individual world amateur chess championships. Mouza Nasser Alshamsi becomes the first Arab female player to win a world individual title in the history of the game.

The world title also represents a new milestone for Al Ain Chess & Mind Sports Club, being the club’s first individual world title and its second global championship following last year’s World Rapid Team Chess Championship victory.

The achievement reinforces the club’s position as a “global community sports institution” in line with its strategic vision.

The championship ceremony featured the UAE flag being raised and the national anthem played in the tournament hall, attended by an international audience, highlighting the growing presence of Emirati chess on the global stage.

Mouza Nasser Alshamsi expressed her immense pride in the achievement, saying:

"I dedicate this global achievement to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and to the country’s rulers, to Sheikh Khaled Vin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and to His Highness Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Representative of the Ruler in Al Ain, in appreciation of their continuous support for youth and sports. I also dedicate it to my family, coaches, and everyone who stood by me. Winning this world title is a great responsibility and the beginning of greater ambitions, God willing."

Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Sultan Bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan, President of Al Ain Chess & Mind Sports Club, highlighted that the achievement reinforces the club’s identity and vision as a global community sports institution. He emphasized that Emiratis are capable of achieving global accomplishments in various fields, thanks to the support of the nation’s wise leadership:

"What Mouza Nasser Alshamsi achieved today is the result of collective effort and a high level of professionalism. We are extremely proud that the world title is registered in the name of the UAE and Al Ain Club."

Taryam Matar Mohamed Taryam, President of the UAE Chess Federation, described the achievement as a new chapter in the history of chess, stating:

"We congratulate the chess community in the UAE on this historic milestone, achieved for the first time under the UAE flag. Securing an individual world title in an officially recognized tournament is a clear indicator of the significant progress of our players and the strength of the programs implemented by clubs and the federation. What Mouza Nasser Alshamsi has achieved opens a new page in the history of chess, and we will build on this success for further international achievements."

Abdullah Al Rashdi, Vice President of Al Ain Chess & Mind Sports Club, also extended congratulations to the UAE leadership on this global achievement and thanked the club’s management, members, and technical team for supporting Mouza Nasser Alshamsi’s historic victory. He described the accomplishment as a source of national pride:

"I congratulate our champion on this well-deserved global win, and may this be a step toward even greater heights, God willing."

Hisham Al Taher, Managing Director and CEO of Al Ain Chess & Mind Sports Club, emphasized that the club’s ambitions continue to grow each year. He noted that Mozah Al Shamsi’s global victory is the result of integrated efforts by all parties inside and outside the club:

"I extend my thanks to the club’s board of directors, executive and technical management, as well as the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Sports, UAE Chess Federation, and the Embassy of Serbia."

This global achievement further cements the rising status of Emirati chess, enhances the UAE’s presence on the international mind sports map, and proves that investing in national talent can produce champions who stand confidently on the world stage.