The governing home of organised chess in the capital, running competitive, educational and community programmes since our founding.
Abu Dhabi Chess & Mind Games Club was established to give the emirate a permanent home for organised chess: a place to train, a calendar of rated events, and a host venue capable of running an international festival. What began as a small clubroom programme has grown into the organising body behind the Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival and a full season of domestic tournaments.
The club operates under the umbrella of the UAE Chess Federation and reports results to FIDE, the World Chess Federation, meaning every rated game played at our events counts toward a player's official international rating.
We treat chess as both a competitive sport and an educational tool. Our programming reflects that split: one track built around tournament performance and titled-player development, another built around schools, family sessions and first-time players who are simply curious about the game.
UAE Chess Federation member club. Results and norms reported directly to FIDE.
Operating continuously as the host of the Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival since its inaugural edition.
A small executive committee oversees federation relations and the festival; arbiters, trainers and volunteers run day-to-day play.
Sets the competitive calendar, appoints chief arbiters and approves festival regulations each year.
FIDE-titled trainers running youth, adult and school programmes across four skill tiers.
FIDE and national arbiters responsible for pairings, rating submission and fair-play enforcement.
All memberships include a FIDE ID registration if you don't already have one, and a place on the club's internal rating list.
| Tier | Best for | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Junior (Under 18) | School-age players building a rating | Weekly rated club night, one training group session, festival youth-section discount |
| Adult | Club and tournament players | Weekly rated club night, library & analysis room access, festival entry discount |
| Family | Two or more members of one household | All adult and junior benefits, shared festival registration discount |
| Supporter | Non-playing members who back the club | Festival hospitality access, newsletter, invitation to club events |