Sara Al Mohannadi Becomes First Qatari International Chess Referee

Post by : Mumtaaz Qadiri

The Qatar Chess Association has proudly announced that Sara Al Mohannadi has officially been accredited as an international arbiter by FIDE, the World Chess Federation. This recognition marks a very special milestone for Qatar because it highlights the country’s progress in developing professional referees in chess. For the first time, a Qatari referee has achieved this global recognition, making it a proud moment for both the nation and for women in sports.

Reflection Of Long-Term Planning

According to the Qatar Chess Association, this accreditation did not come by chance. It is the result of many years of strategic planning and serious efforts. The association has been working on training and developing referees through courses, international partnerships, and active involvement in tournaments. These investments have finally produced a result that reflects Qatar’s growing capabilities in sports refereeing.

President’s Words Of Praise

The President of the Qatar Chess Association, Mohammed Al Mudahka, shared his pride in this achievement. He explained that Sara Al Mohannadi’s new accreditation will open important doors for Qatari referees at international levels. He added that her presence in major tournaments will not only benefit her career but will also enhance Qatar’s reputation in the global sports community. Al Mudahka also acknowledged her dedication and hard work, which he witnessed during her participation in several world tournaments.

Sara’s Joyful Reaction

Sara Al Mohannadi expressed her great happiness at receiving the international referee title. She said that this achievement was the result of many years of effort, patience, and continuous learning. For her, the recognition was more than just a personal success—it was also proof that Qatar is capable of producing referees who can manage matches on the world stage. She believes this is the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her career.

Experience From Global Events

Her new title was not earned overnight. Sara has been working hard by gaining experience in many tournaments. She has refereed local, regional, and international competitions over the years. Some of the most notable events where she contributed include the 2023 Qatar Masters Open, the 2024 World Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary, the 2025 Asian Men’s and Women’s Individual Chess Championships in Al Ain, UAE, and the 2025 World Rapid and Blitz Team Chess Championships in London. Each of these experiences helped her grow into the skilled referee she is today.

Looking Ahead To Future Competitions

Sara is now looking forward to being part of even more prestigious tournaments. She is especially excited about the World Chess Championship, which Doha will host in December this year. She also hopes to lead other international competitions in the near future. Her ambition shows that she is determined to keep building her career while proudly representing Qatar at the global level.

Role Of The Qatar Chess Association

The success of Sara Al Mohannadi also highlights the role of the Qatar Chess Association in supporting and developing its members. The association has made strong progress in the last few years by promoting chess not only among professionals but also in schools. Through programs like the “Naqla” project, the association has introduced chess to young students, ensuring that the next generation will have more opportunities to grow in this sport.

Building A Global Presence

The association’s vision is not limited to the local scene. It has been actively working to increase Qatar’s participation in global tournaments and training its officials to meet international standards. Sara’s success is a reflection of this wider vision. By having referees recognized by FIDE, Qatar strengthens its global standing and ensures that its voice is heard in the international chess community.

A Role Model For Young Women

Sara’s achievement is not just important for chess in Qatar—it also serves as an inspiration for young women across the country and the region. Her success proves that with determination and support, women can excel in all fields, including those that have traditionally been male-dominated. She has become a role model who shows that talent and effort can break barriers and create new opportunities.

The Future Of Qatari Chess

With this achievement, Qatar is moving closer to becoming a strong chess hub in the region. Hosting major tournaments, developing referees, and building international recognition are all part of a bigger picture. The progress made by the Qatar Chess Association demonstrates the country’s commitment to sports, education, and international cooperation. Sara Al Mohannadi’s success is a symbol of this vision, and her journey will inspire many others to follow.

Qatar Chess Refereeing, Sara Al Mohannadi, International Arbiter Recognition