A team of inmates from Dubai Police Central Jail took fifth place at the first online edition of the Asian inmate chess championship. Photo: Dubai Police.
A team of inmates from Dubai Police Central Jail took fifth place at the first online edition of the Asian inmate chess championship. Photo: Dubai Police.
A team of inmates from Dubai Police Central Jail took fifth place at the first online edition of the Asian inmate chess championship. Photo: Dubai Police.
A team of inmates from Dubai Police Central Jail took fifth place at the first online edition of the Asian inmate chess championship. Photo: Dubai Police.

Checkmate: Dubai inmates rank fifth in Asian chess tournament


Ali Al Shouk
  • English
  • Arabic

A team of inmates from Dubai Police Central Jail have taken fifth place at the first online Asian Inmate Chess Championship.

The tournament, held under the supervision of the International Chess Federation, featured 23 teams from eight countries across Asia.

Dubai Police picked a team of eight inmates from Dubai Central Jail after a tournament held in April this year inside the jail with the participation of 40 inmates, organised in collaboration with Dubai Chess and Culture Club.

Dubai Police said that, despite the tough competition, the team ranked fifth in the last round where teams were divided into 15 teams of men, four teams of women and four teams of juveniles.

Lt Col Mohammed Al Obaidli, director of inmate education and training department at Dubai Police, expressed his pride in the participation in the tournament.

“We are keen to participate in chess tournaments and other sporting activities. It aims to develop discipline, focus and skills among inmates as part of our rehabilitation programmes,” Lt Col Al Obaidli said.

“We are proud of the result and the performance of our time in the first-of-its-kind championship.

“We are looking to build self-confidence and develop positive behaviour as well as boost the mental and sporting skills of inmates. We want to highlight the potential, especially as it’s a mental sport based on discipline and patience.”

Inmates from Dubai Police central playing chess as part of their rehabilitation program. Photo: Dubai Police.
Inmates from Dubai Police central playing chess as part of their rehabilitation program. Photo: Dubai Police.

According to the chess federation, the online chess championship for prisoners marked a significant milestone in the effort to bring chess into correctional institutions worldwide.

“As part of the Chess for Freedom initiative, this expansion provides incarcerated individuals with new opportunities for intellectual engagement, rehabilitation, and reintegration into society,” FIDE said on their website.

The tournament was played on Chess.com, using a 10-minute + 5-second increment time control.

Dubai Police are preparing to participate in the fifth Intercontinental Chess Cup for Prisoners, scheduled for October this year, where Dubai Police will return as the previous event's titleholders.

The inmates’ team beat 115 other chess squads from 51 countries at the international chess tournament organised by the Cook County Office in Chicago, and held online for three days last year.

“We are looking to defend our title and will keep working to represent UAE and Dubai Police,” Lt Col Al Obaidli said.

“Such activities are vital for boosting motivation through both individual and team competitions.”

WOMAN AND CHILD

Director: Saeed Roustaee

Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi

Rating: 4/5

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Paris Can Wait
Dir: Eleanor Coppola
Starring: Alec Baldwin, Diane Lane, Arnaud Viard
Two stars

Iftar programme at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

Established in 1998, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding was created with a vision to teach residents about the traditions and customs of the UAE. Its motto is ‘open doors, open minds’. All year-round, visitors can sign up for a traditional Emirati breakfast, lunch or dinner meal, as well as a range of walking tours, including ones to sites such as the Jumeirah Mosque or Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.

Every year during Ramadan, an iftar programme is rolled out. This allows guests to break their fast with the centre’s presenters, visit a nearby mosque and observe their guides while they pray. These events last for about two hours and are open to the public, or can be booked for a private event.

Until the end of Ramadan, the iftar events take place from 7pm until 9pm, from Saturday to Thursday. Advanced booking is required.

For more details, email [email protected] or visit www.cultures.ae

 

THE DEALS

Hamilton $60m x 2 = $120m

Vettel $45m x 2 = $90m

Ricciardo $35m x 2 = $70m

Verstappen $55m x 3 = $165m

Leclerc $20m x 2 = $40m

TOTAL $485m

Famous left-handers

- Marie Curie

- Jimi Hendrix

- Leonardo Di Vinci

- David Bowie

- Paul McCartney

- Albert Einstein

- Jack the Ripper

- Barack Obama

- Helen Keller

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The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

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While you're here
FIGHT CARD

Sara El Bakkali v Anisha Kadka (Lightweight, female)
Mohammed Adil Al Debi v Moaz Abdelgawad (Bantamweight)
Amir Boureslan v Mahmoud Zanouny (Welterweight)
Abrorbek Madaminbekov v Mohammed Al Katheeri (Featherweight)
Ibrahem Bilal v Emad Arafa (Super featherweight)
Ahmed Abdolaziz v Imad Essassi (Middleweight)
Milena Martinou v Ilham Bourakkadi (Bantamweight, female)
Noureddine El Agouti v Mohamed Mardi (Welterweight)
Nabil Ouach v Ymad Atrous (Middleweight)
Nouredin Samir v Zainalabid Dadachev (Lightweight)
Marlon Ribeiro v Mehdi Oubahammou (Welterweight)
Brad Stanton v Mohamed El Boukhari (Super welterweight

Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

Marathon results

Men:

 1. Titus Ekiru(KEN) 2:06:13 

2. Alphonce Simbu(TAN) 2:07:50 

3. Reuben Kipyego(KEN) 2:08:25 

4. Abel Kirui(KEN) 2:08:46 

5. Felix Kemutai(KEN) 2:10:48  

Women:

1. Judith Korir(KEN) 2:22:30 

2. Eunice Chumba(BHR) 2:26:01 

3. Immaculate Chemutai(UGA) 2:28:30 

4. Abebech Bekele(ETH) 2:29:43 

5. Aleksandra Morozova(RUS) 2:33:01  

RESULT

Esperance de Tunis 1 Guadalajara 1 
(Esperance won 6-5 on penalties)
Esperance: Belaili 38’
Guadalajara: Sandoval 5’

GOLF’S RAHMBO

- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)

Updated: June 07, 2025, 1:59 PM`