The University of Technology Bahrain (UTB), in coordination with the Bahrain Chess Federation, organised a chess tournament as part of its vibrant student activities agenda, attracting wide participation from students across the university. The event reflected UTB’s continued commitment to promoting student-led initiatives, fostering strategic thinking, and supporting the holistic development of its students through engaging extracurricular activities.

The tournament was held in a friendly, yet competitive atmosphere aimed at enhancing analytical thinking, strategic planning, and mental agility among participants. During the opening, Mohammed Taqi, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) student and the Founder and President of the UTB Chess Club, delivered the welcome speech and highlighted the club’s vision and its role in promoting chess culture within the university community.

The tournament rules were presented by Mr Mustafa Salah, Chief Arbiter of the Bahrain Chess Federation, under the supervision of Mr Saleh Ahmed Buanaq, International Chess Arbiter (Fédération Internationale des Échecs – FIDE), ensuring the highest professional standards throughout the competition. Open to players of all levels, the tournament followed the Swiss System format and comprised seven rounds, with a five-minute time control per player, culminating in the determination of first, second, and third place winners.

On this occasion, Dr Hasan Almulla, President of UTB, emphasised the importance UTB places on student activities as an integral component of the educational experience.

“At UTB, we firmly believe that student-led activities play a vital role in developing critical thinking, analytical skills, and positive competition. Such initiatives align with the university’s mission to graduate students who demonstrate not only academic excellence, but also well-rounded personal and leadership capabilities,” he stated.

Commenting on the event, Mohammed Taqi, Founder and President of the UTB Chess Club, noted that the tournament reflects the club’s dedication to creating an engaging learning environment that combines enjoyment with intellectual development.

“This tournament embodies the Chess Club’s mission to enhance students’ strategic thinking and concentration, while fostering interaction and collaboration among students from different academic disciplines,” he said.

Mohammed Taqi is a distinguished UTB student who has represented the Kingdom of Bahrain in several international chess competitions, making the UTB Chess Club a strong example of how the university empowers talented students to lead initiatives that extend beyond campus and onto regional and international platforms.

During the awarding ceremony, Mr Anmar Ibrahim Ahmadi, President of the Bahrain Chess Federation, was honoured in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the development of chess at the national level.

Winners were also recognised, with Ronald Paul Ramos (Bachelor of Science in Informatics Engineering student) securing first place, followed by Abdulaziz Aqeel and Abbas Nadeem, both Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics Engineering students, in second and third place, respectively.

The Best Female Player title was awarded to Lulwa Sami, also a Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics Engineering student, in recognition of her strong performance throughout the tournament.

This tournament also marked the official launch of the UTB Chess Club, the newest addition to the growing portfolio of student-led clubs and initiatives. The club reinforces the university’s strong emphasis on student support, skills development, leadership training, and experiential learning, providing students with platforms to enhance their talents, engage with peers, and build competencies that complement their academic journey.

Through initiatives such as the UTB Chess Club, UTB continues to prioritise active student life, innovation, and graduate readiness, ensuring that students graduate with both academic distinction and essential life skills.

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