Schools following the Ministry of Education curriculum across the UAE have begun circulating official invitations to students and parents, encouraging them to take part in the 2026 Digital Chess League. The initiative is organized by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports, the UAE Chess Federation, and the Emirates Schools and Universities Establishment.
School administrations have shared registration details through official platforms and communication channels, urging interested students to sign up early. The competition is open to both boys and girls across all grade levels, reflecting a broader effort to expand participation in extracurricular activities that focus on mental development.
According to the information shared, the tournament will be held entirely online using the global chess platform Lichess, alongside Zoom for coordination and communication. This setup allows students to compete from home or from designated locations arranged by their schools, following specific guidelines to ensure fair play and smooth organization.
The first round is scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, 2026, running from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, with participation open to all school levels. The top three winners from each level will qualify for the final stage, known as the “Elite Championship,” and will not take part in the second round.
A second round will take place on Thursday, April 16, at the same time, again welcoming students from all grades. Similarly, the top three participants from each level will advance to the final stage, while the date for the Elite Championship will be announced at a later time.
This initiative highlights the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to promoting intellectual sports within the school environment, helping students strengthen their analytical thinking, focus, and decision-making skills beyond the traditional classroom setting.
