- Dubai & Abu Dhabi Premier Online Chess Academy
Best Online Chess Classes in the UAE: Shaping Future Champions in Dubai & Abu Dhabi
In the United Arab Emirates, where "impossible is nothing," parents are increasingly turning to chess as a foundation for academic excellence. Whether you are navigating the high-achieving environment of Dubai’s private schools or seeking elite enrichment in Abu Dhabi, chess provides the mental discipline required for the next generation of leaders.
At Upstep Academy, we provide best online chess classes in Dubai and across the Emirates. Our program is designed to meet the rigorous standards of UAE families, offering world-class mentorship that aligns with both KHDA and ADEK educational goals. From the skyscrapers of Business Bay to the quiet communities of Khalifa City, we bring the Grandmaster experience directly to your child's screen.
The Upstep Advantage for UAE Families
Choosing an online chess academy in the UAE is about more than just a game;
it’s about choosing a partner for your child’s intellectual development.
The Viswanathan Anand Legacy
In a region that celebrates global icons, there is no greater mentor than 5-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand. Our curriculum is built on his proven methods. Upon completing each level, students receive a certificate personally signed by Viswanathan Anand, providing a prestigious addition to their student portfolio for school admissions in the UAE and abroad.
Private & Small-Group Interactive Sessions
Most chess coaching online in the UAE uses large virtual rooms where kids get lost. We strictly limit our classes to four students per mentor. This ensures your child receives the individual attention needed to master complex tactics, much like the personalized tutoring standards found in the UAE’s top international schools.
Mentorship from World-Class Grandmasters
For the ambitious young player, our Grandmaster Accelerator Program (GAP) is taught exclusively by International Masters (IMs) and Grandmasters (GMs). If your child is aiming for the UAE National Youth Chess Championship or international FIDE-rated events, this is the elite track they need.
Flexible Scheduling for Busy Lifestyles
We understand the active lifestyle of UAE families. We offer weekend chess classes in Dubai online and evening slots that fit perfectly around school hours and other extracurricular activities.
Ready to see your child’s potential?
Book a FREE 1:1 Demo Class and experience UAE’s top-rated coaching.
Why Chess is the Ultimate "Mind Sport" for the Emirates
Chess is widely recognized in the UAE as a key activity that supports the national agenda for a knowledge-based economy.
- STEM Excellence: Chess is a practical application of geometry and calculation, helping students in Indian (CBSE/ICSE), British, and IB curriculum schools excel in Math and Science.
- Focus in a Digital World: Upstep’s chess academy for kids helps children build the “deep focus” required for long exams and complex problem-solving.
- Resilience & Leadership: Students learn to handle the pressure of competitive chess, which is a vital skill for the Dubai Schools Games and other national competitions.
- Winter & Spring Break Enrichment: During the school holidays, we offer intensive winter chess programs to keep young minds active and sharp.
Technical Essentials for Your Digital Classroom
Joining our online chess classes in Abu Dhabi and Dubai is seamless. You only need a few basics:
- A Laptop or Desktop: A computer screen is essential for analysing the board and interacting with the coach.
- Stable Internet: The UAE’s world-class fibre network is perfect for our high-definition interactive classes.
- A Focused Environment: A quiet desk space helps your child engage fully in the 45-minutes session.
- Practice Platforms: We use professional tools like Lichess and Chess.com for additional practice, not the homework – that is provided on our own platform
The Roadmap:
From Beginner to Tournament Ready
Our 5-level foundation is designed to take a child from “First Move” to “Tournament Mastery.”
The starting point for online chess classes in Dubai.
- The Piece Army: Understanding the movement and power of every piece.
- Rules of Engagement: Castling, En Passant, and Pawn Promotion.
- The Checkmate Goal: Learning how to finish a game with confidence.
Learning the “tricks” that win games.
- Winning Moves: Mastering the Fork, Pin, and Skewer.
- Safety & Defence: How to protect your King and trade pieces wisely.
- Endgame Basics: Winning with a King and Queen or Rook.
Designed for students aiming for FIDE or UAE Chess Federation rated play.
- The Opening: How to start the game with a professional setup.
- Middle-game Logic: Learning how to create a plan when the board is complex.
- Visualization: Training the brain to see 3 moves ahead.
High-level coaching for the UAE National Day Chess Tournament and beyond.
- Advanced Positional Play: Understanding weak squares and pawn structures.
- Clock Management: Learning to think clearly under time pressure in rapid and blitz formats.
The Grandmaster Accelerator Program (GAP)
This is our elite “Fast Track” for the most gifted players in the UAE.
- Direct GM Access: Learn from the highest-ranked players in the world.
- Rating Focused: Specific training to earn and improve your FIDE rating.
- Elite Community: Join a group of high-performing students from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
Is your child the next UAE National Champion? Explore the GAP Program and take the leap to the master level.
Comparing UAE’s Premier
Chess Institutions (2026)
| Rank | Academy | Best For | Why We Recommend Them |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Upstep Academy |
Personal Mentorship |
1:4 small batches, Vishy Anand certificates, and GM mentors. |
|
2 |
Dubai Chess & Culture Club |
Physical Tournaments |
The historic heart of chess in Dubai; great for local FIDE events. |
|
3 |
Abu Dhabi Chess Club |
Official Competitions |
Official hub for Abu Dhabi players; hosts the famous Chess Festival. |
|
4 |
Sharjah Cultural & Chess Club |
World-Class Venue |
Known for hosting the Sharjah Masters and elite international events. |
|
5 |
Chess Knowledge Dubai |
School Programs |
Highly active in the GEMS and ESM school networks across the UAE. |
|
6 |
Chess Lab AE |
Competitive Training |
A professional setup in Dubai known for regular local tournaments. |
|
7 |
Royal Chess Academy |
Private Coaching |
Offers high-end 1-on-1 sessions for families in Jumeirah and Marina. |
|
8 |
Time Master Skill Centre |
Multi-Skill Enrichment |
Good for younger beginners looking for a mix of chess and logic. |
|
9 |
Al Ain Chess Club |
Talent Development |
Famous for producing some of the UAE’s strongest national players. |
|
10 |
Premier Chess Academy |
International Reach |
A large platform with students from across the GCC and beyond. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
While we are an online academy, our curriculum aligns with the enrichment standards expected by the KHDA in Dubai and ADEK in Abu Dhabi.
Pricing typically ranges from AED 200 to AED 600 per month, depending on the frequency and level of coaching.
Yes, we have many students from CBSE/ICSE schools in Sharjah, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. Chess is a great compliment to their academic rigour.
We prepare students for tournaments hosted by the Dubai Chess & Culture Club and Abu Dhabi Chess Club, where they can earn official ratings.
We recommend starting between 5 and 7 years old. This is when children are most receptive to the logical patterns of the game.
Absolutely! Our online chess coaching for Sharjah and Ajman is very popular as it saves parents the commute.
Foundation levels are taught by experienced mentors, while advanced and GAP levels are taught by Grandmasters.
Yes, we have a dedicated schedule for weekend chess classes in Dubai online to accommodate busy school weeks.
Yes. High-level chess achievements are a great addition to a student’s portfolio, showing focus and competitive spirit.
Simply click here to book your Free 1:1 Demo Class and start your journey.
Take Your Seat at the Board
In the UAE, we believe in being number one. Give your child the tools to reach the top with the best online chess academy in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. From building basic logic to winning national titles, Upstep Academy is here to guide every move.
Ready to watch them master the 64 squares?