His Highness Sheikh Butti Bin Suhail Al Maktoum Accepts World Chess Role

His Highness Sheikh Butti Bin Suhail Al Maktoum has accepted a key position at the International Chess Federation (FIDE).

Yesterday 4th August at Dubai Press Club – Media City, a Press Conference was held jointly by His Excellency Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, FIDE President and President of Republic of Kalmykia (Russian Federation), Mr Ibrahim al Bannai, President of the Arab Chess Federation and His Highness Sheikh Butti bin Suhail Al Maktoum.

H.E. Kirsan Ilyumzhinov has been serving as FIDE President for the last 15 years. During his tenure and specially in the last years the following events were held in the UAE alone: Presidential Board Meetings in Dubai, July 2001 & Al Ain, April 2006, FIDE Grand Prix in Dubai, April 2002 with a prize fund and organizational cost of US$ 500,000, Asian Youth Championship in Al Ain, August 2007, Asian Club Cup in Al Ain, December 2008.

FIDE President highlighted that during the next four years he will focus on THREE areas with significantly increased budget:
1. “Chess in Schools” program;
2. Preparation of Trainers & Arbiters;
3. CACDEC (Commission for Assistance for Chess Developing Countries) Program.

FIDE President thanked Mr Ibrahim Al Bannai, President of Arab Chess Federation for his efforts in the promotion and development of chess in this region.

During his visit to Dubai HE Kirsan Ilyumzhinov had detailed discussions with HH Sheikh Butti bin Suhail Al Maktoum and both agreed to jointly promote further development of the Sport of Chess in UAE and around the World.

In this context FIDE President proposed that HH Sheikh Butti bin Suhail Al Maktoum to join the FIDE Family as the FIDE CEO of Commercial Affairs and His Highness graciously accepted this prestigious position in the International Chess Federation.