UAE’S ROUDA READY FOR THE BIG LEAGUE AT NORWAY CHESS OPEN

15-year-old joins elite field at prestigious FIDE tournament

- BY A.K.S. SATISH Sports Editor

At just 15, Rouda Al Serkal has already shattered barriers in UAE chess. Now, she’s preparing for the biggest challenge of her young career: facing some of the world’s top players at the Norway Chess Open — a proving ground for future legends.

The teenage trailblazer who made headlines in March by becoming the UAE’s first Woman Grandmaster, has accepted an invitation to compete in the Norway Chess Open 2025.

The prestigious FIDE-rated tournament will be held from May 26 to June 1 at the IMI Forum in Stavanger, drawing both seasoned grandmasters and ambitious young talents from across the globe.

With previous participants like reigning world champion Ding Liren, Dommaraju Gukesh, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, Rameshbabu Vaishali Rameshbabu — who all played the Norway Chess Open early in their careers — the tournament has become known as a gateway to greatness.

“I am excited to play in the Norway Chess Open, which has plenty of top players like Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura and Gukesh,” Rouda told