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Breaking Barriers in Chess: The First Emirati and Gulf Woman Grandmaster

At just 15 years old, Rouda Essa Alserkal has made history by becoming the first Emirati and Gulf player to earn the prestigious Woman Grandmaster (WGM) title, awarded by the International Chess Federation (FIDE). Her journey from a young chess enthusiast to a record-breaking player is a story of passion, perseverance, and groundbreaking achievements.

A Chess Prodigy from the Start

Rouda’s love for chess began at an early age. As a four-year-old, she was eager to join a chess club, but was initially turned away due to her young age. However, Hisham Al Argha, a coach who saw her potential, welcomed her into the club when he noticed she could already move the knight—a skill that takes weeks for most beginners to master.

“He saw potential in me. He let me play with him, and when he noticed I could already move the knight, he was impressed and welcomed me into the club. That’s when my chess journey truly began,” Rouda recalls.

A Passion for the Game

Rouda’s breakthrough moment came during her first tournament, where she discovered her deep love for chess.

“I just loved the challenge of figuring things out on the board. Winning was exhilarating, but what I really enjoyed was the uniqueness of each game and the endless learning opportunities.”

She quickly dedicated herself to mastering strategies, openings, and endgames, training rigorously to recognize patterns and anticipate moves.

Overcoming Challenges

Balancing chess with academics was not easy. Like any competitive player, she faced setbacks, losses, and moments of self-doubt. However, she remained determined.

“There were times when it felt like I wasn’t making progress, but I kept training and learning from my mistakes. It wasn’t easy, but eventually, I began to see improvement!”

Her hard work paid off when she clinched the WGM title, a moment she describes as one of immense joy and relief.

“All the hard work had finally paid off. Personally, it felt like a huge achievement. For women’s chess in the UAE, it’s significant too. I hope my success inspires other girls to reach for their goals in chess.”

Ambitions for the Future

Rouda is not stopping here. Her next goal? Becoming a Grandmaster (GM), the highest title in chess.

“I want to continue improving and eventually earn my GM title. Competing in top tournaments against elite players is a challenge I look forward to. Winning more world championships is definitely on my radar.”

Advice for Aspiring Chess Players

For young players dreaming of success in chess, Rouda shares valuable advice:
✔ Be patient – Improvement takes time
✔ Train consistently – Learn from mistakes and refine strategies
✔ Enjoy the game – Focus on the learning experience rather than just winning

“Play as much as you can. What’s most important is learning from your mistakes and striving for improvement. The more fun you have, the more motivated you’ll be to keep improving!”

A Landmark Achievement for UAE Chess

Rouda’s historic achievement marks a milestone for women in chess in the UAE and the wider Gulf region. As she continues to break barriers, she serves as an inspiration for aspiring players and a symbol of the UAE’s growing presence in the world of chess.

🚀 With her unwavering determination, Rouda Essa Alserkal is set to leave an even greater mark on the chess world.

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