More than 700 competitors from over 60 countries will vie for honours in the 26th Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival at the Sofitel Abu Dhabi from August 2 to 11.
Staged under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), and under the auspices of the Abu Dhabi Chess and Culture Club, the annual event offers a total prize fund of Dh 300,000 across eight different categories.
One of the highlights of the festival special three-day contest between Hungarian Grandmaster Peter Leko and Russian Grandmaster Alexander Morozevich.
“The Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival now counting 26 years is one of the summer highlights of our calendar of events,” said HE Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of ADSC.
“It has always attracted players from all parts of the globe and this year is no exception. The chess festival is renowned for the organisation and top class competition.”
Hussain Abdullah Al Khoury, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Chess and Culture Club, and Chairman of the Organising Committee, highlighted the event as one of the most looked forward to event by the international players from around the world.
“We are delighted at the growth and the success we have enjoyed over the years and that wouldn’t have been possible without the unstinted support we receive from the government and the sponsors,” he said.
