UAE’s first-ever Woman Grandmaster Rouda to play in Norway Chess Open

In a bid to encourage chess players in the Middle East and provide a platform at the global stage, the organisers of Norway Chess — one of the most prestigious tournaments in the International Chess Federation (FIDE) calendar — invited the Emirates’ first-ever female Grandmaster Rouda Essa Alserkal to participate in the Norway Chess Open 2025 which will see participation from 31 countries.

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In a bid to encourage chess players in the Middle East and provide a platform at the global stage, the organisers of Norway Chess - one of the most prestigious tournaments in the International Chess Federation (FIDE) calendar-invited the Emirate's first-ever female Grandmaster Rouda Essa Alserkal to participate in the Norway Chess Open 2025 which will see participation from 31 countries.

The 15-year-old Rouda was formally presented with the invitation by Kjell Madland, Managing Director and visionary behind Norway Chess, in a press event held at the Seven Seas Hotel in Dubai on Wednesday.

Also present on the occasion was Dr Mansoor AI Tamimi, Vice-Chairman of Technical Committee at Abu Dhabi Chess Club and Mind Games.

Koneru Humpy, two-time women's world rapid chess champion, also joined virtually and wished Rouda ahead of her upcoming events.

The Norway Chess Open 2025 will be held from May 26 to June I at the IMI Forum in Stavanger, attracting both grandmasters and ambitious chess players seeking title norms and valuable competitive experience.