Rouda Al Serkal created history recently by becoming the first Emirati woman grandmaster. The 15-year-old received the prestigious title from the International Chess Federation after she won the Arab Women’s Championship held at the Sharjah Cultural Chess Club. “Winning the grandmaster title feels amazing,” Rouda said. “I was so happy and honestly a bit relieved because all the hard work and training finally paid off, it was one of those moments where it takes a little while to sink in, and I just sat there thinking about how far I’d come. “Personally, it felt like a huge achievement, that all the effort was worth it, for women’s chess in the UAE, it meant a lot too, I hope it shows other girls that they can reach for big goals in chess too, It’s all about believing in yourself and working hard,” she added. Rouda now is looking forward to compete in the Asian Individual Chess Championship at the Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club from May 6 to 15, and the World Youth and Women’s Championships in July 2025. “My goal is to keep improving and eventually earn my grandmaster title, I want to keep challenging myself in top […]