The UAE Chess Federation has confirmed its national squads for the 46th Chess Olympiad, which will be held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan from 15 to 27 September. The decision came after the federation's second board meeting of the year and reflects a push to raise the UAE's profile and results in international chess.
The federation's plans go beyond the Olympiad. UAE teams will also compete at the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Riyadh this December and at the Arab Championships for men and women in Tunisia. The board, chaired by Dr. Ismail Ibrahim Al Khouri, approved a full calendar of activities. Abdullah Hassan Al Hammadi will head the Olympiad delegation.
"The 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand will feature a record 400 teams-208 in the open section and 192 in the women's section-with 1,971 players from around the world."
Official tournament data
The men's team for Samarkand includes Salem Abdulrahman, Imran Al Hosani, Ammar Al Siderani, Abdulrahman Al Taher, and Ahmed Fareed. They will be coached by Vladimir Akopian, with Saud Al Marzouqi as administrator. The women's team is made up of Rawdha Al Serkal, Wafia Darwish Al Maamari, Ahlam Rashid, Ahoud Issa, and Anoud Issa, with coach Bartosz Soćko and administrator Abeer Ali. The selections combine experienced players with new talent, aiming to give the UAE a stronger presence in a highly competitive field.
The federation is also supporting Vice President Fouad Darwish's candidacy for Vice President of the International Chess Federation, with elections set during the Olympiad. This focus on both results and leadership marks a shift from simply taking part to seeking a bigger role in the sport's direction.
Abdullah Hassan Al Hammadi, the federation's secretary general, called the Olympiad a key part of the national team's preparation. "We are committed to providing the best possible conditions for our players to represent the UAE with distinction and to achieve results that match the ambitions of UAE chess," he said. Al Hammadi added that the Olympiad is a rare chance for UAE players to face top international opponents, and that the broader activity plan is meant to keep the UAE active at both regional and global levels.
"According to FIDE's official coverage, the 46th Chess Olympiad will be staged at the Silk Road International Exhibition Centre in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from 16-27 September 2026, with a single rest day on 22 September. The event is classified as an 11-round Swiss team tournament, and FIDE's team listings note that all rosters remain provisional until captains submit the final board order under Olympiad regulations."
FIDE / official tournament coverage
The board's meeting also approved previous minutes, reviewed reports, and set out the next phase of work. The federation noted the support of the Ministry of Sports, the UAE Olympic Committee, and local clubs, calling this backing essential for the growth of chess in the Emirates.
UAE teams have shown promise at recent Arab Championships, but the Olympiad and Asian Games will be tougher tests. The federation is counting on focused preparation, international experience, and partnerships to help the teams compete at a higher level-both on the board and within chess organizations.
Elsewhere in UAE sports, recent football results have shifted league standings and competition. The chess federation's approach stands out for its clear goals and investment in both players and leadership.
By confirming its squads early, backing leadership bids, and working closely with institutions, the UAE Chess Federation is aiming for more than just participation. The real test will come in Samarkand, where results on the board will show how far the federation's ambitions can take it.
