Rouda Al Serkal becomes first Emirati woman to earn grandmaster chess title
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Rouda Al Serkal has been awarded the title of Woman Grandmaster (WGM) by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), making her the first Emirati woman to earn the title. The 15-year-old secured the achievement after winning the Arab Women’s Chess Championship at the Sharjah Cultural Chess Club.
Al Serkal’s path to the title reflects years of competitive experience. She began playing chess at age five and quickly rose through the ranks, winning the Asian Under-6 Championship. Since then, she has collected several titles, including World Champion in the Solving Puzzles Category C and West Asian Champion.
With the WGM title now secured, Al Serkal is preparing for the Asian Individual Chess Championship in Al Ain, scheduled for May 6–15. She also plans to compete in the World Youth and Women’s Championships in July.
Al Serkal’s achievement is seen as a major step forward for women in the sport, particularly within the region’s chess community.