UAE Cup Teams Rapid Chess Championship 2026 will be held February 28-March 1, 2026 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, offering a fast-paced team competition designed for clubs, institutions, companies, communities, and chess academies. Organized by the UAE Chess Federation, the event brings together two-player teams in a dynamic Swiss format with rapid time controls, encouraging both competitive play and community participation.

Featuring nine rounds played across two evenings, the tournament delivers an accessible yet serious FIDE-regulated rapid event with a strong financial incentive. The championship guarantees a total cash prize fund of AED 43,500 (approximately $11,800 USD). With structured tie-break systems and professional organization, the UAE Cup provides an engaging platform for team-based rapid chess.

🗓️ Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

The championship offers a total of AED 43,500 (approximately $11,800 USD) in cash prizes. Financial awards are not divided, and winning teams receive prizes immediately after the final round.

Championship Awards

Special Awards

A tangible award is also presented to the chess club or academy with the highest number of participating teams.

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The event follows a 9-round Swiss team system. Each team fields two main players, ranked according to the February 2026 rating list.

Tie-break order:

1. Match points

2. Game points between tied teams

3. Buchholz (Cut 1)

4. Sonneborn-Berger

If teams remain tied, a playoff match is held on two boards with a 3-minute + 2-second time control. If necessary, colors reverse until a winner emerges. For three or more tied teams, a rapid round-robin playoff determines final standings.

📂 Sections / Groups

The tournament runs as a single team championship open to all eligible organizations and communities.

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

Teams must register before February 15, 2026. Registration closes once the event reaches 110 teams.

Entry fee: 300 AED per team
Payment methods:
• Pay at the UAE Chess Federation headquarters
• Bank transfer to the Federation account (Commercial Bank of Dubai)

Teams must complete the official registration form and submit player details including FIDE IDs.

👥 Organizer

The UAE Chess Federation organizes the championship as a national rapid team event that promotes institutional and community participation. The federation manages registration, financial processing, and tournament operations through its administrative office.

• Email: uaechess@hotmail.com

• Phone: +971501203767

🏨 Venue

Al Mizhar Area next to Dubai Bowling Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The venue is located in a well-connected district of Dubai, providing straightforward access for local teams and visitors while supporting a structured rapid tournament environment.

🚗 How to Get There

Dubai is served by Dubai International Airport with extensive global connections. From the airport, taxis and ride-hailing services provide direct transport to the Al Mizhar area. Plan evening travel to arrive comfortably before the first round.

Build team chemistry, calculate quickly under rapid time pressure, and compete for top honors at one of the UAE’s key community chess events.