Zuhair Hasan Ahmad, a 62-year-old expat from Syria, is a prominent figure at the Abu Dhabi Chess Club and Mind Games, where he excels in multiple roles as a player, coach, arbiter, and organiser. His influence can be seen at the ongoing Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival, where he is actively involved in managing logistics, offering tips to players, and accompanying chief guests. Zuhair’s dedication to chess is evident in his commitment to the game, which he describes as his life and passion.
Zuhair’s journey with chess began in his teen years in Syria, where he became interested in the game through his cousin. He trained at Al Wahda Club and started playing at the age of 13-14, eventually becoming a coach. Upon moving to the UAE in 1988, he joined the Abu Dhabi Chess Club as a coach and played a significant role in growing the number of players through school programmes and international chess tournaments. Today, the club boasts hundreds of young players, and Zuhair continues to be actively involved in nurturing talent and promoting the game.
As a player, coach, arbiter, and tournament organiser, Zuhair’s dedication to chess is unwavering. Despite managing multiple responsibilities, including serving as the technical director at the Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival, he remains passionate about the game and describes it as the focus of his entire life. At 62 years old, Zuhair shows no signs of slowing down and continues to play chess even at home. As a father of six children, he sets a great example of dedication and commitment to his craft.
Zuhair acknowledges the growing popularity of chess in the UAE and credits the government’s support for the game’s success. With a focus on nurturing young talent and promoting the game in schools, he envisions a bright future for chess in the country. Zuhair hopes to see the UAE produce as many as 10 grandmasters in the future, thanks to the government’s commitment to the sport. His passion for chess, combined with his dedication to promoting the game, makes Zuhair an invaluable asset to the Abu Dhabi Chess Club and Mind Games, where he continues to inspire players of all ages.
