Abu dhabi: The Ministry of Sports (MoS) has announced the launch of the Chess Digital League (CDL) on 14th April, 2026, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MoE), the UAE School and University Sports Federation (UAESUSF), the UAE Chess Federation, and other entities. Held under the slogan 'Your Move. Your Moment', the event aims to promote school sports and identify talented students across different age groups.
According to Emirates News Agency, the CDL will provide students from all school cycles an opportunity to showcase their cognitive skills in a digital setting. The initiative supports efforts to enhance mind sports within the UAE's sports ecosystem. The qualifying stage of the competition is scheduled for 14th and 16th April and will feature three categories. The top six players from each group will advance to the final Masters round, totaling 18 finalists who will compete for a prize pool exceeding AED60,000.
H.H. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Assistant Under-Secretary for Sports Development and Competitiveness at MoS and President of UAESUSF, emphasized the competition's role in strengthening school sports. He highlighted the opportunities for students to develop athletic and cognitive skills, stating that the Chess Digital League enhances strategic thinking and decision-making abilities. The event provides a platform to identify and nurture talent, with the journey to creating champions beginning at schools.
Mohammed Al Qasim, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Education, remarked that the initiative supports a stimulating learning environment, enhancing students' quality of life and fostering critical thinking and analytical skills. He noted that the initiative reflects strong national partnerships and contributes to discovering and nurturing talent, preparing a generation capable of strengthening the UAE's future in sports.