Meet 15 Year Old Rouda Al Serkal: The First Emirati Woman Grandmaster in Chess  

Rouda Al Serkal is at the forefront of history as the first Emirati woman to achieve the prestigious title of grandmaster in chess. The 15 year old rising star earned this recognition following her wins at the Arab Women’s Championship held at the Sharjah Cultural Chess Club. In winning the championship, Rouda not only made history but also made the UAE very proud.

يتقدم رئيس وأعضاء مجلس الإدارة والعاملين في نادي أبوظبي للشطرنج والألعاب الذهنية بالتهنئة للاعبة المتألقة روضة عيسى السركال حصولها على لقب أستاذة دولية كبيرة (WGM) pic.twitter.com/tf2p5oWjWg

— Abu Dhabi Chess Club & Mind Games (@AD_Chess_Club) March 27, 2025

When Rouda was awarded the title from the International Chess Federation (FIDE), she expressed her joy saying, “Winning the grandmaster title feels amazing. It was a mix of happiness and relief because all the hard work and training finally paid off.” Rouda hopes she can be a role model for young girls in the UAE, so they can see that they too can pursue chess and reach great levels.

احتفى نادي أبوظبي للشطرنج والألعاب الذهنية
بحضور سعادة / حسين عبد اللّه الخوري رئيس النادي، والجهاز الفني ونخبة من اللاعبين ببطلته المتألقة روضة عيسى السركال بمناسبة منحها رسميًا لقب أستاذة دولية كبيرة مما يجعلها أول امرأة إماراتية وخليجية تحمل هذا اللقب. pic.twitter.com/FwJyqkuQY5

— Abu Dhabi Chess Club & Mind Games (@AD_Chess_Club) March 28, 2025

Meet Rouda Al Serkal: A Rising Star

Rouda began her chess journey as a toddler. She was five when she won the Asian Championship for Under 6 players. Over time, her incredible ability has led to multiple prestigious wins at the World Cadets Championship (U-8), World Schools Championship (U-9) and various UAE and Arab Women’s Championships.

Rouda AlSerkal First female Emirati player to obtain the title of WGM. pic.twitter.com/Mf6rJ3PdJT

— Abu Dhabi Chess Club & Mind Games (@AD_Chess_Club) November 15, 2024

Rouda is looking towards the Asian Individual Chess Championship in May 2025 and World Youth Championships and Women’s Championship in July. With her unvanquished determination for the great game, she wishes to test herself further against the world’s best players and to continue to win titles at the world championships. Her journey affirms her dedication and success is evidently ushering a new era of women in chess particularly in the UAE.