The Sharjah Ladies Chess Club announced the start of its seventh ‘Chess & Coffee’ series this week to provide a relaxed setting where women can play chess while connecting over refreshments. According to the Emirates News Agency, the program is designed to appeal to both beginners and experienced competitors by removing formal tournament pressure. Organizers expect the edition to build on the foundation laid by earlier events that have steadily increased female engagement with the game in the emirate.
Weekly sessions will be held at the club’s dedicated facilities in Sharjah, with each afternoon featuring a combination of informal matches and light coaching elements. The club reported that no registration fee will be charged and that participants need only bring enthusiasm for the game. All women regardless of age or rating are welcome to attend the open gatherings that run for several months.
FIDE statistics show female chess registrations in the Gulf have risen more than 25 percent since 2020, with the UAE recording some of the strongest gains in Asia. Sharjah has positioned itself as a center for such growth through consistent community programs that complement larger international tournaments staged in the emirate each year. The ‘Chess & Coffee’ format has contributed directly to this expansion by making the sport approachable in a social context.
Club officials have highlighted the event’s role in building confidence among female players while providing a comfortable setting for learning and playing. The program has evolved since its inception six years ago, incorporating feedback to enhance the experience for attendees. Participation has grown with each successive edition, reflecting increasing interest in women’s chess activities.
The UAE Chess Federation has supported similar initiatives nationwide as part of a strategy to achieve greater gender balance in competitive sports. Data from the federation indicates that women’s teams from Sharjah have secured multiple titles in national events over the past three seasons. This latest edition arrives as authorities continue expanding training infrastructure to sustain the upward trajectory.
Sessions incorporate themed activities such as beginner instruction mornings and advanced tactical discussions on alternate weeks. The club has partnered with local cafes to supply refreshments that reinforce the informal atmosphere. Interest has already prompted early inquiries from across the northern emirates according to registration updates.
