When the last game finished at the Hamda Taryam Charity Chess Championship in Al Ain, the prize fund didn't go to the winner. Instead, every dirham was donated to charity, making the tournament about more than just chess.
According to Chess-Results Server, the Al Ain open chess tournament featured 95 participants and 9 rounds, matching the described format, though Ahmed Tarek's victory in this specific charity event is not officially confirmed in the available results.
Charity at the heart of competition
This was the third year for the event, organised by Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club with the Hamda Bint Taryam Charity Foundation. It was timed to coincide with the International Day of Charity. The organisers wanted to show that sport can do more than reward individual achievement. All prize money went to the Hamda Bint Taryam Charity Foundation, in line with the event's motto: "One move can change a lot."
A separate chess tournament in Al Ain, reported by Al Bayan, saw 132 players compete, with Jangoso Roland winning on 6.5 points and Mohamed Tarek Elther taking second place. This event is distinct from the 95-player charity tournament and highlights the city's active chess scene and frequent mix-ups in event reporting.
Building community through chess
Abdullah Rashid Al Rashdi, Vice President of Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club, said the championship's return for a third year was no accident. "We are proud to see the Hamda Taryam Charity Chess Championship return for a third year, carrying a noble message that unites sporting competition with charitable action," he said, crediting the partnership with Hamda Bint Taryam Charity Foundation and the commitment of all participants for the event's success.
With 95 players and nine rounds, the championship is now a regular part of the local chess calendar. It offers a competitive platform and shows how sports events can serve the wider community. The partnership with True Life Hospital also brings practical benefits to players, both in sport and health.
This event stands out for linking sporting ambition with social responsibility. By donating the entire prize fund and involving community partners, the organisers have set an example for other UAE sports events. In a city with a busy chess scene, the Hamda Taryam Charity Chess Championship shows that competition and community impact can go hand in hand.
