The 31st Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival returns as one of the most iconic and diverse chess competitions in the world. Organized under the patronage of H.H Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, this prestigious festival features multiple categories for elite players, juniors, amateurs, and families. Hosted in one of the UAE’s luxurious 5-star venues, this festival blends top-level chess with world-class hospitality, making it a global magnet for grandmasters, rising stars, and chess-loving families alike.

📅 Dates & 🏛️ Venue

• Event Dates: August 15–24, 2025
• Venue: A 5-star hotel in Abu Dhabi (TBA, similar to Radisson Blu Corniche Hotel)
• All rounds will be played in air-conditioned, FIDE-standard playing halls

♟️ Tournament Categories & Time Controls

Masters Tournament (ELO 2300+)

• Format: 9-round Swiss
• Time Control: 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment from move 1
• Entry Fee: $150 (GM/WGM/IM 2400+/WIM 2300+ exempted)
• Top Prize: $15,000 (Total fund: $55,500)
• Free 5-star accommodation for GM 2600+ and WGM 2400+ (with prior approval)
• Wildcards available for players under 2300

Open A (U-2300) & Open B (U-2000)

• Format: 9-round Swiss
• Time Control: 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment
• Entry Fees:

  • Open A: $100
  • Open B: $75

• Top Prizes:

  • Open A: $3,000
  • Open B: $2,000

• Prize Fund for Open A & B: $19,700

Juniors U16

• Eligibility: Players born in 2009 or later (rating U-2000)
• Time Control: 60 minutes + 30 seconds increment
• Entry Fee: $50
• Prize Fund: $9,500
• Special prizes for U14, U12, U10, U8

Blitz Events

• Categories: Open, U16, Ladies
• Time Control: 3+2 (11 rounds)
• Entry Fee: $15–$50
• Total Prize Fund: $5,700
• Blitz Open top prize: $2,000

Special Side Events

• Academy Blitz: U18 (Abu Dhabi Chess Club members only)
• Schools Tournament: 12 age-group categories (U7 to U17)
• Seniors Blitz: Age 50+
• People of Determination Tournament
• Family & Community Team Blitz
• Simul by Renowned GM
• Online Masters Blitz (via Chess.com, $10,000 prize fund)

🏆 Prize Fund & Awards

• Total Festival Prize Fund: Over $106,000
• Awards include trophies, certificates, medals, cash, and chess sets
• Prizes follow tie-break criteria; no sharing of top prizes
• Dress code enforced: Business/smart casual attire (no shorts, caps, sneakers)

📝 Registration & Participation

• Deadline: July 15, 2025
• Online registration only
• Late registration fee: $27
• Visa support: Available (visa fee: $100; free for GM/WGM)
• Special services: “OK to board” option available at $15

💳 Payment Details

• Participants must pay full entry fees in advance to confirm registration
• Payments accepted in USD or AED
• Fees vary by category, with discounts for titled players

🧳 Travel & 🏨 Accommodation

✈️ Travel

• Airport: Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
• Transport from airport to venue available upon request
• Visa assistance provided by the organizing team

🏨 Accommodation

• Luxurious 5-star hotel (to be confirmed; similar to Radisson Blu Corniche)
• Estimated rates (2024 rates for reference):

  • Single: 500 AED/night (Full board)
  • Double: 575 AED/night
  • Triple: 660 AED/night (limited rooms)

👥 Tournament Officials

• Chief Organizer: Abu Dhabi Chess & Culture Club
• Email: adchessfestival@gmail.com
• Website: adchessfestival.abudhabichess.ae
• Social Media:

  • Instagram: @adchessfestival
  • Hashtag: #ADChessFestival

🏢 About the Organizer – Abu Dhabi Chess & Culture Club

The Abu Dhabi Chess & Culture Club is one of the Middle East’s leading chess institutions. With a legacy of organizing world-class events, the club promotes chess through youth programs, school competitions, and international championships. The team’s excellence and professionalism have made the Abu Dhabi Chess Festival a fixture in the global chess calendar.

• 📍 Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
• 📧 Email: adchessfestival@gmail.com
• 🌐 Website: adchessfestival.abudhabichess.ae

🌟 Why You Should Participate

The 31st Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival is more than just a tournament—it’s a global chess celebration. Whether you’re chasing a title norm, guiding a junior talent, or playing for the thrill, this event combines fierce competition with luxury, culture, and warmth. Enjoy unforgettable games, first-class hospitality, and vibrant community spirit in one of the world’s most welcoming chess stages—Abu Dhabi awaits your next move.

You may find more similar exciting tournaments at mychess.events.