Abu Dhabi Awarded 2028 FIDE Chess Olympiad in Historic Flag Ceremony
The UAE capital has received official hosting duties for the 47th FIDE Chess Olympiad alongside parallel events for competitors with disabilities and the federation's congress, cementing its position as a premier international sporting destination.
Abu Dhabi has been formally designated to host the 47th FIDE Chess Olympiad in 2028 following an official flag handover ceremony conducted in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, where the 46th edition of the prestigious global championship concluded. The ceremonial transfer marks a significant milestone in the UAE capital’s preparations to welcome the international chess community.
The hosting assignment encompasses three interconnected events of international significance: the main FIDE Chess Olympiad, the 4th FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities, and the 98th FIDE Congress. This integrated approach continues an innovative model introduced in Samarkand in 2026, when the Olympiad for People with Disabilities was held simultaneously with the main event for the first time, allowing both competitions to occur within a single host city during the same timeframe.
A Decisive Victory
Abu Dhabi secured the hosting rights following a competitive international bidding process in December 2023, where the emirate’s proposal garnered 96 votes compared with 60 votes for Genoa, Italy. The decisive mandate reflects confidence in the UAE capital’s capacity to deliver a world-class event of this magnitude and complexity.
Strategic Leadership and Commitment
The flag was received by Hussein Abdullah Al Khouri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Abu Dhabi Chess and Mind Games Club and Director of the Abu Dhabi 2028 FIDE Chess Olympiad, alongside Abdulrahim Al Zarooni, Director of the Corporate Communications Office at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Ismail Ibrahim Yousuf Al Khouri, President of the UAE Chess Federation; Suhail Al Awadhi, Board Member of the Abu Dhabi Chess and Mind Games Club; and Abd Al Hammadi, Head of the UAE delegation participating in the current Olympiad.
His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the Abu Dhabi 2028 FIDE Chess Olympiad, articulated the significance of the moment: “We are proud to receive the flag of the FIDE Chess Olympiad and look forward to welcoming the global chess community to Abu Dhabi and delivering an exceptional edition that reflects the UAE capital’s standing and extensive experience in hosting and organising major international sporting events.”
Inclusive Excellence
Al Awani emphasised the broader context of the hosting assignment, noting that the simultaneous organisation of three major FIDE events represents both a substantial responsibility and a unique opportunity. “Hosting three major FIDE events in Abu Dhabi represents both a significant responsibility and an important opportunity to deliver an integrated experience worthy of Abu Dhabi’s position on the international sporting stage,” he said. “It also reflects the emirate’s commitment to supporting sport and promoting the values of diversity, inclusion and connection among people from around the world.”
Historical Precedent
The 2028 edition will represent the second occasion on which the United Arab Emirates has hosted the FIDE Chess Olympiad. Dubai previously hosted the 27th edition in 1986, demonstrating the nation’s longstanding engagement with chess and its evolving prominence within the global chess landscape.
Abu Dhabi’s preparations are proceeding in close coordination with FIDE and relevant stakeholder organisations, leveraging the emirate’s established organisational infrastructure and advanced facilities to ensure a comprehensive and distinguished championship that brings together the world’s leading chess players and national teams.
Source: Abu Dhabi Media Office