The pact, signed between the two federations, outlines plans for shared workshops, mutual recognition of training modules and cross-border participation in arbiter examinations. The initiative aims to build a larger pool of qualified international arbiters capable of officiating at regional and global events. Officials from both sides expressed confidence that the collaboration would raise overall standards in line with FIDE requirements, according to the Emirates News Agency.
The UAE Chess Federation has taken a leading role in arbiter education across the Arab world, with FIDE Arbiters’ Commission records indicating that its lecturers have conducted numerous seminars drawing participants from Egypt. In one 2025 online seminar alone, eight Egyptian arbiters passed the examination and earned norms toward the FIDE Arbiter title. This latest agreement seeks to institutionalise such cooperation on a more regular basis, building on the UAE, Egyptian chess federations sign arbiters agreement.
Egypt’s chess community has long benefited from such knowledge transfer, as evidenced by the high success rate of its candidates in UAE-led training sessions. The FIDE directory lists both federations as active members of the Asian Chess Federation, where joint initiatives have become increasingly common. Combined, the two nations have contributed to dozens of certified arbiters in the past two years according to FIDE statistics.
Under the new deal, the federations will exchange arbiters for domestic tournaments to provide practical experience, a move that builds on existing practices. The UAE side will likely continue to supply expert lecturers while Egypt offers venues for in-person sessions in Cairo. This reciprocal arrangement is expected to accelerate the development of female arbiters as well, aligning with FIDE’s target of at least 25 percent women in official events.
The partnership reflects broader trends in Gulf and North African chess, where investment in human capital such as arbiters has become a priority to host more high-profile competitions. The UAE has hosted major FIDE events including the World Rapid and Blitz Championships, requiring a robust cadre of local officials. Egypt, for its part, regularly organizes continental tournaments that demand certified arbiters.
Both federations have committed to aligning the program with the latest FIDE regulations on laws of chess, anti-cheating measures and tournament pairing systems, according to the statement. Future seminars will incorporate updated modules on hybrid events and online chess governance, areas that have grown in importance since the COVID-19 pandemic. The UAE Chess Federation, which joined FIDE in 1977, continues to pursue such bilateral pacts to expand its influence in the sport.
