Dubai Chess & Culture Club Professional Chess Club
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170 Players from 23 Countries Participate in the 22nd Edition
In a remarkable Ramadan evening and a festive closing ceremony, Egyptian GM Ahmed Adly was crowned champion of the 2026 Zayed Chess Championship, successfully retaining his title in the tournament’s 22nd edition. The championship featured 170 players representing 23 countries and concluded after nine rounds at the Sheikh Saeed bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Hall at Dubai Chess & Culture Club.
This year’s edition witnessed strong participation from citizens, residents, and international guests, reaffirming the tournament’s growing prestige. Organized annually during the Holy Month of Ramadan in honor of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the championship continues to attract elite players from the UAE and abroad, highlighting its significant role in bringing together top chess talents.
The tournament featured seven Grandmasters, led by American GM Vladimir Akopian, former World Championship challenger (2000) and winner of the inaugural Dubai Open in 1999. The field also included Moldovan GM Viorel Iordăchescu, Cuban GM Walter Arencibia, and three Iranian GMs: Pouya Idani, Pardis Dashavar, and Ashgar Golshani, alongside several International Masters and FIDE Masters.
Tournament Results
As expected, the Grandmasters and International Masters dominated the early rounds. The decisive clashes began in Round 6, culminating in a dramatic final round. Defending champion Ahmed Adly secured a crucial victory in Round 9 against Iran’s Grandmaster Ashgar Golshani to finish with 8 points and claim the title.
Iran’s Grandmaster Pardis Dashavar finished second with 7.5 points, tied with Philippine International Master Oliver Dimakiling. Vladimir Akopian placed fifth with 7 points.
Special Awards
FIDE Master Abdulrahman Mohammed Al Taher won the award for Best Emirati Player, while Woman International Master Wafa Darwish Al Maamari claimed the Best Emirati Female Player award. In the Under-14 Emirati category, Khaled Mohammed and Alia Saud Marzouq topped the standings, followed by Thiab Al Harmoudi and Shamma Obaid Al Marri.
Tournament Format
The championship was played under rapid time control, with 10 minutes per player plus a 2-second increment per move starting from move one. The tournament followed a nine-round Swiss system. Dubai Chess & Culture Club awarded prizes to the top ten finishers, in addition to special prizes for Emirati players and female participants.
