The ceremonial kick off.

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 18 (KUNA): The 2025 Arab Chess Championship for men and women officially began in Kuwait and will continue through November 25, featuring 87 players from 18 Arab countries.

The opening ceremony was attended by Sheikh Khalid Al-Qasimi, President of the Arab Chess Federation, Bashar Abdullah, Acting Director of Kuwait’s Public Authority for Sport, and several Arab diplomats based in Kuwait.

Acting Director Bashar Abdullah expressed pride in the Federation’s decision to select Kuwait as the host country, highlighting how the event aligns with Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to promote sports and intellectual competitions.

Dr. Amal Al-Kout, Chair of the Championship’s Organizing Committee, said the tournament serves as a platform to unite Arab nations through sport, intellect, and fair competition.

Meanwhile, Khalaf Al-Azmi, Head of the Referees Committee, explained that the championship consists of nine rounds, with the first round starting on Monday. Each player is allotted 90 minutes per game.

Participating nations include Kuwait, Egypt, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Yemen, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Libya, Somalia, and Palestine.