As the first Arabic woman to receive the International Arbiter title, Mona El-Laboudy is a pioneering force in African chess, inspiring positive change and empowerment through the game.
The veteran chess administrator is thrilled to see the surge in women chess arbiters and has pledged to continue empowering their growth, inspiring a global phenomenon.
Mona El-Laboudy, who is paved the way in chess arbitration for her daughters, told us that “You want the younger generation to look at you and think I can also do it.”
Thank you, Dr. Mona El-Laboudy, for taking the time to speak with us. Could you please introduce yourself to our readers?
Thank you. I am Mona El-Laboudy. I earned a Ph.D. in Economics with highest honors from Cairo University and a Master’s degree in Islamic Economics with distinction.
Additionally, I obtained a Diploma in Islamic Studies. These academic qualifications have provided me with a strong foundation in economic analysis and financial management, enabling me to hold leadership positions such as former General Manager at the Egyptian Tax Authority and lecturer in economics, accounting, and taxation at various educational institutions in Egypt and the UAE.
This has contributed to my success in fostering a distinguished generation of female arbiters in both Egypt and the UAE.
I began my journey in chess as a player and champion in Egyptian universities throughout my studies, captivated by the intellectual challenges and complex strategies the game offers.
Over time, and after assuming the position of coach at the UAE Chess Federation, I expanded my involvement to become an International Arbiter in 1986, being the first Arab woman to receive this title. I then became a certified trainer by the International Chess Federation in 2012, contributing to the development of many female players’ skills.
Additionally, I held administrative roles, such as Head of Women’s Activities and member of the Board of Directors of the Egyptian Chess Federation during two terms (2004-2008 and 2018-2021), which allowed me to contribute to the development of chess at both national and international levels.
I have also made literary contributions to the field of chess by authoring the first Arabic book of its kind: “The Game of Kings: Genius or Madness and Its Impact on Life Aspects” (first edition 2022, second edition 2023), in which I explored the influence of chess on intelligence, academic excellence, and the treatment of certain diseases, relying on global academic studies.
Throughout my career, I have been honored with several awards and recognitions, including:
1. Recognition from the Arab Chess Federation in November 2009 for my outstanding contributions to the field of chess.
2. The Women’s Sports Cadres Shield from the Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports in March 2018.
3. The Medal of Honor as one of the Top 100 Arab Personalities in 2024 from the Egyptians Center for Political and Legal Studies.
4. An honorary doctorate in Human Rights from the same center in the same year.
5. The Ideal Mother Award for 2025 from the Academy of Humanities and Applied Sciences in Egypt.
6. Dozens of certificates for my chess contributions from 1980 to 2021 as a tournament organizer, general supervisor, or chief arbiter.
Your efforts have paved the way for African women in chess arbitration. After decades, we are witnessing an increase in the number of African women holding arbitration positions. How do you feel about being a pioneer in this field and the growth we are seeing?
I feel proud and satisfied to see this progress. When I began my career as the first Arab woman to receive the title of International Arbiter in chess in 1986, the field lacked female representation. Seeing more African women taking on arbitration roles today reflects positive change and the efforts made to empower women in this area.
This growth encourages me to continue supporting and mentoring the next generation of female arbiters. I believe I have made a contribution, albeit small, in this field. During my tenure as the first coach at the Sharjah Chess and Culture Club for Women for 25 years, I was part of the founding team of the club, making it the first official club for female chess players.
I also contributed to graduating prominent figures in the chess field, including club board chairpersons, international arbiters, and international players.
Additionally, during my presidency of the Women’s Activity Committee at the Egyptian Chess Federation (2017-2020), I was keen to revive women’s activities after a period of stagnation by organizing tournaments and training and arbitration courses for women, which contributed to increasing women’s participation in this sport and led to the emergence of several distinguished female arbiters.
You attempted to transition into chess administration; what challenges did you face?
Transitioning into administration in the field of chess was a challenge that required a deep understanding of the sport and the ability to organize and plan.
One of the main challenges I faced was balancing multiple roles as a player, arbiter, coach, and administrator, alongside my professional career in economics.
Overcoming these challenges required meticulous time management, developing multiple skills, and a continuous commitment to learning and selfdevelopment.
The support of family and colleagues played a pivotal role in helping me overcome these challenges.
Your daughters are involved in arbitration and chess. Can you describe how you supported them in these endeavors, and how do you feel about their success?
Chess has had a significant impact on all members of my family. Academically, thank God, they all excelled in their studies; three of them became doctors, and the fourth is a risk manager.
In terms of chess, the influence was evident, starting with my husband, Mahmoud Hussein, who obtained the title of International Arbiter in chess in 1986.
All four of my daughters are distinguished players; two of them, Maha and Merihan Mahmoud Hussein, are Former International Players Egyptian National Team ,Fide Instructors and International Arbiters, with Merihan achieving this title at a young age, becoming the youngest International Arbiter, and their sister Mayada is a Fide Arbiter, while my eldest daughter, Marwa, chose to remain a player, mother, and wife.
I feel proud and honored that one of my daughters, International Arbiter Maha Mahmoud Hussein, is taking measured steps towards advancing in this activity. She was recognized as the Best Arab Chess Personality and obtained a trainer certificate from the International Chess Federation.
She is currently the Secretary of the Women’s Committee of the Arab Chess Federation and the administrator of the Tornelo platform at the African Chess Confederation.
Finally, I would like to offer advice to our youth to excel in chess by being passionate and dedicated, as these are the keys to success in any field.
They should continue learning and training, and participate in tournaments to gain experience.
I also recommend seeking mentors or experienced coaches to benefit from their guidance.
Most importantly, they should have faith in their abilities and confidence that the effort they put in will eventually bear fruit.
What advice would you offer to aspiring chess arbiter and technical officials?
Deep Understanding of Chess Rules: Thorough knowledge of the chess laws approved by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) is essential to ensure correct application during matches.
Continuous Training: Engaging in ongoing training helps develop the skills and knowledge necessary for effective officiating.
Gaining Practical Experience: Working in local and international tournaments contributes to building valuable experience and handling diverse situations during games.
Maintaining Neutrality and Fairness: arbiter must be impartial and fair in all decisions, enhancing the integrity of competitions.
Developing Personal Skills: Abilities such as quick decision-making, neutrality, and handling pressure are crucial.
Networking with Experienced Arbiter: Interacting with seasoned Arbiters can provide valuable insights and advice.
Utilizing Modern Technology: Implementing tools like the Video Assistant Arbiter (VAR) system in chess can assist in reviewing contentious situations during matches.
During your upbringing, which chess figures did you consider role models and why?
During my childhood, my uncle taught me chess when I was about nine years old. He encouraged me and praised my rapid progress, which was a significant motivator for me to excel in this field, especially during my university studies, where I received the award for Best Female Chess Player among Egyptian universities throughout my academic years.
As for chess personalities who influenced me during my journey, Judit Polgár stands out as a prominent example in the chess world. She challenged the male dominance in the sport and achieved victories against world champions like Garry Kasparov and Magnus Carlsen. Earning the Grandmaster title at a young age demonstrates her excellence and proves that women are capable of competing and excelling in this field.
What is your opinion on a woman assuming the presidency of the African Chess Confederation for the first time in the sport’s history?
Ms. Tshepiso Lopang’s leadership of the African Chess Confederation is a significant step toward enhancing women’s roles in sports leadership positions.
This reflects progress toward achieving diversity and inclusivity in the chess community.
Additionally, the election of Ms. Bouchra Kadiri as president of the Royal Moroccan Chess Federation serves as another successful example of women’s ability to lead and develop chess in the continent.
Could you also include some projects and initiatives you have undertaken in the field of chess?
My contributions in Egypt and the UAE highlight my commitment to developing chess, particularly in empowering women. Among these initiatives:
- In Egypt:
- Participating in protocols with educational and sports institutions to organize training courses for teachers of Al-Azhar institutes and the African College for Graduate Studies, as well as introducing chess tournaments in universities.
- In the UAE:
- Organizing courses to prepare and refine cadres of female Arbiters and trainers at the Sharjah Chess and Culture Club for Women( 1990-2005).
- Conducting training sessions to create a substantial base of female trainers, including courses for social workers, university students, and teachers.
- Hosting multiple tournaments for Arab communities between 1995 and 2004.
- Organizing the first-ever training course exclusively for female Arbiters in Egypt in 2020.
