Reviewing the Progress of Chess in the UAE Through a Photo Exhibition and a Special Lecutre
The National Library and Archives Participates with Sharjah Cultural & Chess Club in its activities on International Chess Day 2024

In celebration of the International Chess Day, the National Library and Archives (NLA) participated in Sharjah Cultural & Chess Club in a number of events. The NLA organized a photo exhibition documenting some aspects of chess history in the UAE, including the most significant tournaments in which the UAE has participated, photograps of champions, and their award cermonies. The exhibition also showcased photos of UAE’s involvements in numerous local, Gulf, Arab and international chess tournaments that have had a substantial impact, additionally it higlighted the UAE leaders’ receptions of participants and winners in chess tournaments and their trophies, and that reflects the leadership’s interest in developing and promoting this game.
On this occasion, Mrs. Fatima Al Mazrouei, Head of the Historical Archives Section at the National Library and Archives, presented a lecture titled “The Progress of Chess on the UAE”, in which she reviewed the history of chess worldwide and highlightes some significant events in the history of this game. She also discussed the legends associated with chess and the profounf impact of this game, which changed the path of some individuals and added important dimensions to their careers.
Al Mazrouei reviewed the history of the establishment of the The UAE Chess Federation in 1976, and its responsibility for organizing their chess competitions within the UAE most important of its clubs. She noted that that the federation is affiliated with the International Chess Federation. She spoke about the significant achievement of Saeed Ahmed Saeed, who represented the UAE and won the Youth Chess Championship in 1979 by defeating Mexico. His victory was celebrated by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, highlighting the importance of the role of youth in building the UAE and fostering its intellectual development. The lecture shed light on the UAE’s hosting of the 27th Chess Olympiad and the key decisions, decrees and laws under which federations, associations and clubs were established since its establishment under the umbrella of the UAE Chess Federation since its inception.
It is noteworthy that the National Library and Archives organizes numerous exhibitions of historical photos during official events and national occasions to provide them with a historical dimension and enhance national awareness among the generations.
additionally, the National Library and Archives enriches the knowledge of generations through lectures presented by experts and specialists, shedding light on events, occasions and activities it participates in.