The 11-year-old recently became the youngest chess player in the region to earn the FIDE Master title.
Dubai: Years ago, India’s chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju spoke of his dream to become the youngest world champion. In 2024, he turned that vision into reality, defeating China’s Ding Liren to claim the title at just 18.
So when UAE-based prodigy Safin Safarullakhan shares a similar ambition, it may sound lofty — but given his progress and determination, he seems to be on a promising path.
“I want to be the youngest world champion and the youngest grandmaster,” the 11-year-old said when asked about his goals. Currently, the record for the youngest Grandmaster is held by Abhimanyu Mishra, who broke Sergey Karjakin’s long-standing mark by more than two months.
Safin recently became the youngest chess player in the region to earn the prestigious FIDE Master (FM) title. On his path to this milestone, he achieved an impressive feat by defeating two Grandmasters — Evgeniy Podolchenko and Handszar Odeev — at the IM-3 RR 102 Putnik Tournament in Serbia.
“I’m very happy with my result. I want to keep improving my level and reach the top,” Safin said.
Brightest sporting prospect
According to the latest FIDE ratings, Safin is ranked fifth in the world and third in Asia in the Under-12 category. He is currently the top-ranked Under-12 player in the UAE and stands third among all active players in the country, underscoring his status as one of the nation’s brightest young sporting prospects.
Among his notable achievements are a bronze medal at the 2022 World Cadet Chess Championship (Under-8), a gold medal at the 2022 Western Asia Chess Championship (Under-8), and a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Chess Championship (Under-8). He has also secured numerous titles in national and international tournaments.
“These are among my top achievements. My goal is to continue playing in more tournaments and deliver strong performances,” Safin added.
A Grade 5 student at Delhi Private School Sharjah, Safin credits his family as his biggest source of inspiration.
“My parents, Safarullakhan and Shamna, always support and encourage me. They motivate me to work hard, stay focused, and never give up,” he said.
New strategies
Safin began playing chess at the age of two. “I was fascinated by the pieces and how they move. Later, I started enjoying the game by solving puzzles. I love learning new strategies and improving my skills,” he explained.
He trains at the Sharjah Chess and Cultural Club under Grandmaster Viorel Iordachescu, while also receiving guidance from Grandmaster G. A. Stany and mentorship from International Master Jubin Jimmy.
Safin has recently switched his chess federation from India to the UAE, becoming the first player to make such a move and represent the UAE under its flag — a landmark moment in the country’s chess history.
“The Sharjah Chess Club has provided me with opportunities for high-level coaching. I would like to thank the UAE Chess Federation, the All India Chess Federation, Delhi Private School Sharjah, my coaches, my family, and everyone who has supported me in my journey. I’m especially grateful to DPS Sharjah for their scholarship and support,” he added.
Abdulla Murad, an official from the Sharjah Chess and Cultural Club who has closely followed Safin’s progress, said, “Safin is a rare talent with exceptional discipline and maturity for his age. What sets him apart is not only his results, but his mindset and commitment to continuous improvement. At Sharjah Chess Club, we believe he has all the qualities needed to reach the very top, and we are proud to support him on this journey.”
