Before you arrive.
Quick answers for competitors, visitors, sponsors and vendors.
When and where is Brains & Hoops?
27–29 November 2026, at Sheikha Fatima Park, Abu Dhabi. The poster lists event hours of 4:00 PM–9:30 PM.
When does the pop-up market open?
The Friday pop-up market opens at 3:00 PM on 27 November. Movie screening time will be announced.
Which competitions can I register for?
Basketball Competition, Chess Tournament, Three-Point Challenge and Family Matches. Rapid Chess begins on Saturday, 28 November at 4:00 PM and lasts approximately 3.5 hours. Basketball is Saturday and Sunday, 28–29 November (4–8 PM). Three-point and family fixtures are to be confirmed.
Can I register a team?
Basketball and the other group activities may allow Team or Family registrations. The Rapid Chess Tournament is individual-only and has a maximum of 100 registered participants.
Who organizes the Rapid Chess Tournament?
International Chess Club, in partnership with Sheikha Fatima Park, invites players to the 1st Sheikha Fatima Park Rapid Chess Tournament at Sheikha Fatima Park, Abu Dhabi on Saturday, 28 November 2026 at 4:00 PM. It runs for approximately 3.5 hours.
Is the chess tournament free? Do I need a FIDE ID?
Yes, chess entry is FREE and it is open to every age and nationality. A FIDE ID is NOT required. There are only 100 participant places, including entries pending approval.
What are the chess tournament rules and prizes?
The tournament uses a Swiss system of 7 rounds with 10 minutes plus 2 seconds increment starting from move 1. The champion receives a trophy and gold medal, 2nd receives silver, and 3rd–5th receive bronze medals. Special category medals are awarded for Best Female, Best Senior, and Best Under 12, Under 10, Under 8 and Under 6 (boy and girl in each group). Tiebreaks are direct encounter, Buchholz Cut 1, Buchholz Cut 2 and Sonneborn–Berger. Every participant receives a digital participation certificate.
How much is visitor registration?
The site currently follows the free visitor registration setting from the supplied Brains & Hoops template. Please confirm the Brains & Hoops visitor admission policy with the organizer.
When are chess and basketball held?
Chess begins Saturday, 28 November 2026 at 4:00 PM and lasts about 3.5 hours. Basketball runs on Saturday, 28 and Sunday, 29 November from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Friday, 27 November features the pop-up market (from 3:00 PM) and movie night.
How will I receive a QR entry pass?
Only free visitors receive QR passes automatically. Competition and sponsor/vendor applications receive approval notification emails without QR codes. Working SMTP settings are required for email delivery.
What are sponsor and vendor fees?
The application currently uses the Brains & Hoops template rates: Platinum Sponsor AED 1,000, Gold Sponsor AED 2,500, Retail Vendor AED 250 per selected day, Food Vendor AED 300 per selected day. Choose one, two or three dates in the calendar. Sponsor packages use a fixed fee. Rates and inclusions are subject to organizer confirmation.
Can I apply as a brand or sponsor?
Yes. Complete the Sponsor / Vendor form and submit your trade license and a digital signature. The team will review your application.
Is there a payment gateway?
No. This template does not collect payment online. Any payment arrangements will be confirmed separately by the organizers.
When is Movie Night?
Movie Night is shown on the poster. The specific screening time has not yet been confirmed.
