The club's board approved a coaching restructure at the start of summer 2026. Dubai Chess Club has appointed former world junior champion Ahmed Adly as chief coach, with responsibility for technical work across its training and talent sectors.
The tournament venue is Dubai Chess & Culture Club, Gate 8, Street 44, Al Wuhaida Road, Al Mamzar, Dubai.
A title-winning coach takes charge
Al Bayan reports that Adly won the under-20 World Junior Championship in Armenia in 2007, becoming the first Arab and African player to claim the title. He earned the grandmaster title in 2005 and has won the African individual championship several times. Al Bayan also identifies him as a senior professional coach recognised by FIDE, with experience in academy management.
In a report updated on 12 October 2026, Al Bayan said Adly had already begun forming the coaching team and updating the academy's programmes.
A competition built around academy players
The inaugural Chess Academies Challenge targets players under 18 with international ratings below 2000. Organisers are aiming for 120 participants, including 15 players from Dubai Chess Academy's talent sector. The target also includes athletes from around 13 registered Dubai chess academies. Entrants from other academies across the UAE are welcome.
Organisers want the event to give emerging players competitive experience. It is also intended to bring academies into contact with one another.
A wider push to extend participation is reflected in a school and community initiative announced by the UAE Chess Federation and Palms Sports.
Al Falasi said the academy is the club's main development route for its talent sector. The board wants a sustainable training system, with less emphasis on short-term results. He also pointed to plans for expanded talent programmes. The club intends to work more closely with academies, educational institutions and sports institutions.
The official Dubai Chess & Culture Club calendar lists the Academies Chess Challenge 2026 from 30 October to 8 November.
