The Asian Nations Chess Cup opens in Abu Dhabi with 150 players from across the continent

The tournament brings together competitors from 19 nations, with early victories setting the stage for a fortnight of strategic brilliance at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel

The 2026 Asian Nations Chess Cup commenced with a series of decisive opening encounters, establishing patterns that will unfold across the coming week. UAE 1 claimed victory over UAE 3 with a score of 3–1 in the men’s competition, while UAE 2 faced defeat at the hands of Kazakhstan, 0–4.

Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Zayed for Good Foundation and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the tournament draws upon the expertise of the Abu Dhabi Chess and Mind Games Club, operating under the supervision of the Asian Chess Federation. The competition gathers 150 players from 19 countries, creating an assembly of talent that speaks to Abu Dhabi’s growing role as a centre for international chess excellence. As we reported in our coverage of the tournament’s opening, the capital is preparing for the world’s largest chess gathering, with the 47th FIDE Chess Olympiad scheduled for 2028.

The opening rounds delivered commanding performances from several nations. In the men’s competition, India, Russia, China, Mongolia, Malaysia and Syria each recorded decisive 4–0 victories, while Uzbekistan and Sri Lanka also secured victories in their opening matches. The women’s competition saw equally emphatic results, with Russia, China, Uzbekistan and Mongolia posting 4–0 wins, and Kazakhstan and India also prevailing in their respective encounters.

Saeed Alkhouri serves as Chief Arbiter, leading the officiating team tasked with ensuring the integrity and flow of play throughout the tournament. The men’s competition continues with two rounds scheduled for Thursday, with further rounds following as the competition progresses through to 18th November.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

The Asian Nations Chess Cup underscores Abu Dhabi’s established position as a venue for premier international sporting and intellectual competition. By hosting 19 nations across 150 players, the tournament demonstrates the emirate’s capacity to organise events of continental significance, whilst simultaneously building momentum towards its preparation as host of the FIDE Chess Olympiad.

The tournament reflects the broader deepening of Abu Dhabi’s ties across Asia. The diverse participation speaks to the relationships the UAE continues to cultivate throughout the continent, from Central Asia through South Asia to East Asia, reinforcing cultural and sporting connections that extend far beyond the chessboard itself.

Source: WAM