World’s Largest Chess Club now in the UAE 
Posted by Ayesha Sarfraz / March 29, 2013 

Thursday the 28th of March, saw the launch of the new premises of the Sharjah Chess Club, the world’s largest state-of-the- art facility for the mental game, in terms of size.

The Sharjah Chess Club covers an area of 34,000 cubic feet, including the main hall which can accommodate up to 500 players.

The facility was inaugurated by His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council member and Ruler of Sharjah, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.

Upon arrival at the club, Sheikh Sultan was welcomed by Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan, President of the Asian Chess Federation, Sheikh Saud bin Abdul Aziz Al Mua’lla, Chairman of Sharjah Chess Club, Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, President of World Chess Federation (FIDE), and a number of senior local officials, chairmen of chess clubs in other emirates, and prominent sportsmen.

Sheikh Sultan said the club will serve as a favourite place for young minds to spend leisure time in practicing the mental game.

The logo for the Chess Club was approved in early February this year, which coincided  with the opening of the Club’s new headquarters.

The logo was designed by Emirati artist Hisham Al-Mazloum, who is also the head of Arts Directorate at Sharjah’s Department of Culture and Information. It is inspired by the UAE’s traditional cultural identity and features the barjeel, a local word for circular traditional wind towers, reflecting integration between its authentic old and modern values.

Source: http://arabiangazette.com

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