Rouda Al Serkal’s next move: UAE chess prodigy sets sights on Grandmaster title

Dubai: At just 15, Rouda Al Serkal has already carved her name in the UAE sporting history as the country’s first Women Grand Master in chess — but for the teenager from Abu Dhabi, this is only the beginning.

Fresh off earning the WGM title last month, Rouda is gearing up for a packed May schedule that includes the Asian Chess Championship in Al Ain, the Sharjah Masters and, perhaps most excitingly, a spot at the Norway Chess where she’ll share the stage with global heavyweights like Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura.

“I want to have fun, enjoy my games, gain experience — and, hopefully, gain some rating points as well,” she said.

Rouda’s journey started in the most unassuming way: a chessboard at home and no formal lessons. She picked up the game by playing with family, but it was her persistent pleas to join a chess club that set her on her competitive path.

“I begged my mum to take me to a club,” she recalled. “They didn’t want to accept me because the minimum age was six, but my first coach, Hisham Al Argha, gave me a chance. The moment I moved the knight correctly, he let me in.”

That early spark turned into an 11-year dedication to the sport. Today, as a 10th grader balancing studies and competitive chess, Rouda is already eyeing her next goal — to become a Grandmaster, the highest title in chess.

Rouda says the pressure of expectations began early. “At five, people were already expecting a lot — school, family, management. It was never easy.”

She admits there were sacrifices along the way, but she had a vision. “When I was 12, people told me, ‘You’ll be a Grandmaster at 15, maximum.’ That stuck with me. I started working hard, changed my mindset, and believed I could do it.”

Her breakthrough came at the Arab Championship last November. “Winning first place in the classical tournament meant the WGM title. I’d come second in blitz and third in rapid — I told myself I wasn’t settling for anything less than first in classical. And I won with 8.5 points out of 9.”

As a trailblazer for women’s chess in the UAE, Rouda is aware of the significance of her achievement. “When I started, there were only a few girls at the club. Now I see many kids excited to train — some even look up to me. It makes me really proud.”

She’s already embracing the role model mantle, sharing tips and encouragement with younger players, especially girls. “I’ve seen new talent, and I’m always there to support them.”

Rouda doesn’t shy away from tougher opponents — in fact, she seeks them out. “When I want experience, I usually play against men, because they’re considered stronger. Recently in Kuwait, I drew with Algerian GM Bilal Bellahcene after five hours. It was the first time I played and drew with a grandmaster. One of my favourite achievements this year.”

With top-tier tournaments ahead and her ambition set on the GM title, Rouda knows the next stage of her career won’t be easy. But just like when she first moved that knight at six years old, she’s ready to take her next bold step.