Fujairah, UAE — The World Federation for Chess Composition (WFCC) officially inaugurated its new office at the Fujairah Chess & Culture Club (FCCC) Palace during a formal ceremony held on 30 October 2025. The office is housed in the newly constructed three-storey chess palace, a landmark facility dedicated to the promotion of chess and chess culture.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, who officially opened the WFCC office, underscoring the Emirate’s continued support for international chess initiatives and intellectual sports.
Following the inauguration, a special reception for WFCC members was held on 3 November at the palace of His Highness. During the event, the Crown Prince demonstrated keen interest in discussions related to Arabic chess manuscripts and the oldest known chess problems (mansubas), highlighting the historical and cultural dimensions of the game.
WFCC President Marjan Kovačević expressed sincere appreciation to H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad Al Sharqi for his sustained and generous support of the Federation. This support includes both annual contributions and backing of the WFCC Grand Prix cycles. On the occasion, President Kovačević presented His Highness with the latest edition of the FIDE Album, symbolizing the strong relationship between the WFCC and the Emirate of Fujairah.
As part of the week’s activities, the WFCC online meeting was hosted on 1 November directly from the new FCCC premises. The meeting was chaired by WFCC Secretary Mohammad Alhallak, alongside WFCC Vice-President and FCCC Chairman Abdulla Ali Aal Barket, and was broadcast live from the palace.
The vision for the Fujairah Chess & Culture Club Palace dates back to 2016, when the initiative was launched under the patronage of the Al Sharqi royal family. By 2017, the FCCC had already organized its first chess-solving tournament, and in 2019, the club proudly joined the WFCC as a representative of the United Arab Emirates.
Looking ahead, the palace is set to host another major international event. At the end of 2026, the venue will welcome the final competition of the 1st WFCC Fujairah Solving Grand Prix 2025–2026, marking a significant milestone in the growing partnership between the WFCC and the Emirate of Fujairah.
