His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, has inaugurated the 31st Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan officially launched the event with a symbolic first move powered by artificial intelligence, in the presence of leading sports and chess officials from the UAE, as well as Gulf and Arab nations.
This year’s edition has attracted historic participation, with nearly 3,000 players from 82 countries competing across 27 tournaments, including the prestigious Masters Championship. The festival also introduces three new mind games competitions, namely checkers, dominoes, and Fischer Chess (Chess960).
Organised by Abu Dhabi Chess and Mind Games Club under supervision of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the festival runs until 24 August 2025 at the Radisson Blu and St. Regis Hotels in Abu Dhabi, with a prize fund of AED500,000.
