Chess isn’t just a game—it’s a tool for mental agility, strategic thinking, and lifelong skills. And in the UAE, from Dubai’s high-energy hubs to peaceful towns across Sharjah and Ajman, numerous institutes are empowering young minds and adult learners alike. Here are some details of some of the best chess classes in the UAE
This ultimate guide digs into the top chess courses featured on Coursetakers.ae, comparing formats, pricing, and unique offerings—and ties them into the vibrant chess scene flourishing across the Emirates.
Table of Contents
- Overview: Chess Courses in the UAE
- Course Options & Pricing
- The Young Studio – Chess Master Classes
- Shining Star Education – Chess Classes for Kids
- Kalagram – Chess Training for Kids
- Time Master Skills Development Center – Chess (Abu Dhabi)
- Tunes Music & Dance Training Centre – Chess Workshop
- Brainobrain International – Chess for Ages 7–14
- Dreamland Mind Abilities Development – Chess (Abu Dhabi/Mussafah)
- Benefits of Chess Learning for Children
- UAE Chess Culture & Competitive Scene
- How to Choose the Right Course
- FAQs
- Summary & Next Steps
1. Overview: Best Chess Classes in the UAE
Coursetakers.ae, a trusted course aggregator in the UAE, showcases a variety of chess programs across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah. Listings feature live online sessions, short intensive workshops, month-long classes, and structured multi-session programs. Pricing ranges between AED 199 to AED 600 (CourseTakers).
Here’s a breakdown of several notable programs:
2. Course Options & Pricing : Best Chess Classes in the UAE
a) The Young Studio – Chess Master Classes
- Type: Live online, highly interactive
- Duration: 4 weeks (1 month)
- Price: AED 199
- Highlights: Focus on fundamentals—rules, opening traps, middlegame tactics, endgame strategies—with weekly tournaments for hands-on learning. Designed to sharpen logic and mental agility. Instructor: Mr. Vikrant (15 years experience) at Barsha branch, Dubai. (CourseTakers)
b) Outpace Academy – Online Chess Coaching for Kids
Type: Live online, interactive coaching (1:1 & group sessions)
Duration: Flexible programs (monthly, quarterly, and long-term)
Price: AED 399 – AED 3000 (competitive rates tailored for parents in Dubai & UAE)
Website: https://outpaceacademy.com/
Highlights:
- Specialized in children’s chess training, from beginners to advanced learners.
- Curriculum covers everything from the fundamentals (rules, piece movement, openings) to advanced tactics, middlegame strategy, and endgame mastery.
- Focused on building critical thinking, concentration, memory, and decision-making in kids.
- Regular practice matches and tournaments to apply skills in real-game scenarios.
- Classes designed to reduce children’s screen-time addiction by channeling it into productive learning.
- Experienced coaches with proven track record in guiding children towards competitive-level chess.
- Trusted by parents across India & UAE, with localized landing pages for Dubai.
- Offers a free demo class so parents and kids can experience the teaching approach before enrolling.
c) Kalagram – Chess Training for Kids
- Type: Short-duration, fun-loving class (8 hours total)
- Price: AED 300
- Highlights: Enhances concentration, pattern recognition, logical thinking, patience, and self-discipline. Located in Al Quoz, Dubai, within a broader arts and culture training hub. (CourseTakers)
d) Time Master Skills Development Center – Chess (Abu Dhabi)
- Type: Multi-session learning (12 sessions per level)
- Price: AED 600
- Highlights: Focus on critical thinking, self-confidence, logic, and reasoning. Includes certification of course completion. Led by expert instructors at an ACTVET-accredited institution (Time Training Centre) with over two decades of educational experience. Electra Street, Abu Dhabi. (CourseTakers)
e) Tunes Music & Dance Training Centre – Chess Workshop
- Type: Weekend-style workshop (8 hours)
- Price: AED 250
- Highlights: Boosts analytical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving via chess. Held at Muhaisnah branch, Dubai—within a broader creative arts context. (CourseTakers)
f) Brainobrain International – Chess (7 to 14 Years Old)
- Type: Flexible timing classes with transportation support
- Price: AED 500
- Highlights: Part of a leading global skill-development brand with roots in India, ISO-certified. Focuses on brain skills, NLP, memory, visualization, confidence, creativity, speed, and accuracy. Offers parenting packages. Multiple UAE branches across major emirates. (CourseTakers)
g) Dreamland Mind Abilities Development – Chess (Abu Dhabi / Mussafah)
- Type: Level-based instruction (duration varies)
- Price: AED 350
- Highlights: Branding itself as “crafting grandmasters,” this program emphasizes strategic mindset, mental agility, patience, resilience, social interaction, small-group coaching, and a deep curriculum. Tailored for budding strategists, graduates include tournament-level players. Electra branch, Abu Dhabi. (CourseTakers)
3. Why Chess Training Is a Game Changer for Kids : Best Chess Classes in the UAE
Here’s what these courses help develop—regardless of the format:
- Critical Thinking & Strategic Planning: Whether in short workshops or month-long classes, understanding opening tactics and endgames strengthens foresight and analytical skills.
- Concentration & Memory: Chess builds sustained mental focus and pattern recognition—beneficial academically and beyond.
- Emotional Intelligence: Learning patience, resilience, and sportsmanship sets a foundation for personal growth.
- Self-Confidence: From earning course certificates to winning internal tournaments, kids gain confidence that transfers to school and social settings.
- Fun & Social Interaction: Story-based lessons (e.g., “King Sparky”) and group activities make learning engaging and collaborative.
Programs like Brainobrain and Dreamland position chess as a broader brain development tool, while institutes like Time Master anchor it within structured, accredited learning with certification.
4. UAE Chess Culture: From Local Clubs to Global Tournaments : Best Chess Classes in the UAE
Chess in the UAE isn’t just about classes. It’s a vibrant part of the cultural and competitive fabric:
- Dubai Chess & Culture Club stands as an international chess landmark—architecturally designed like a rook, it’s one of the largest dedicated chess centers globally. It’s hosted events like the 27th Chess Olympiad (1986) and 2014 World Rapid & Blitz Championships (Wikipedia).
- Dubai Open Chess Tournament, one of the strongest open tournaments worldwide, ran its 25th edition from May 27 to June 4, 2025. The winner was Aleksey Grebnev, and the event offered a prize pool of USD 39,500 (Wikipedia).
- Notable Emirati Players:
- Noura Mohamed Saleh, an Emirati Woman International Master, is a four-time national champion and won individual gold at the 2006 Women’s Chess Olympiad (Wikipedia).
- Salem Saleh, a leading IM, dominated national championships multiple years, triumphed in the Asian Chess Championship in 2015, and performed strongly in Sharjah tournaments (Wikipedia).
- The Emirati Chess Championship and President’s Cup showcase the UAE’s national competitive scene with champions like Taleb Moussa, Salem Saleh, and Saeed Ishaq (Wikipedia).
- Community Insights: On Reddit, participants praised events like “Dubai Police Global Chess Challenge,” noting high organization, digital boards, smooth logistics, and hospitality—highlighting how well chess events are run in the UAE (Reddit). Users also mentioned clubs like “Chess Lab” and activities at the Dubai Chess Club, with community groups playing regularly in salons and cafes (Reddit).
5. Choosing the Right Chess Course: What to Consider : Best Chess Classes in the UAE
Here’s a simplified decision framework:
| Consideration | Questions to Ask Yourself |
|---|---|
| Age & Skill Level | Is your child a beginner or more advanced? Younger (5–7) or older? |
| Goals & Motivations | Are you focused on brain development, certification, fun, or competition? |
| Format Preference | Prefer weekly lessons, online learning, short workshops, or multi-session certificates? |
| Budget | Courses range from AED 199 to AED 3000—what fits your budget? |
| Location & Convenience | Is being nearby important? Do you need transportation or online options? |
| Credentials & Teaching Style | Accreditation, structured curriculum, instructor experience—what matters most? |
Quick Recommendations
- Skill-building on a budget: The Young Studio (AED 199), Shining Star (AED 250), Tunes Workshop (AED 250)
- Structured certificate-based learning: Time Master (AED 600)
- Holistic development with global footprint: Brainobrain (AED 500)
- Advanced strategy & personalized coaching: Dreamland (AED 350)
- Creative, arts-integrated learning: Kalagram (AED 300)
6. FAQs : Best Chess Classes in the UAE
Q: Which program is best for younger kids starting out?
- Programs like Shining Star and Kalagram are ideal for younger children with a playful and foundational approach.
Q: Is there value in the most expensive course?
- Time Master (AED 600) provides certification and structured progression—excellent for learners seeking formal recognition and depth.
Q: Want brain training beyond chess?
- Brainobrain integrates chess as part of a wider cognitive development curriculum using skill tools like NLP, memory, and creativity.
Q: Looking for flexible, online learning?
- The Young Studio offers a live online course at a competitive price with interactive gameplay and weekly tournaments.
Q: What’s the local chess culture like?
- UAE hosts esteemed events like the Dubai Open and maintains a robust club scene. Learners can aspire to local competition, with inspiring champions in both men’s and women’s chess (Wikipedia).
7. Summary & Next Steps : Best Chess Classes in the UAE
The UAE offers a rich ecosystem of chess learning—from charming beginner classes to strategic training for future champions. Whether your focus is on cognitive development, competitive progression, or simply sparking curiosity, there’s a tailored option for every learner and budget.
What you can do now : Best Chess Classes in the UAE
- Choose 2–3 programs that align with your child’s age, level, and your budget.
- Contact institutes via Coursetakers.ae to inquire about schedules, trial lessons, or group discounts.
- Attend a local chess event like the Dubai Open or join a club to immerse your child in the chess community.
- Track progress: Set goals—finishing a curriculum, winning a school match, or mastering an opening.
- Use chess as a gateway to broader development: combine it with reading, puzzles, or local competitions.
Chess in the UAE is more than a board—it’s a bridge to strategic minds, confident learners, and a community of thinkers. Start today, and your child might discover talents far beyond the checkmate.
