Maha Mahmoud’s chess journey commenced at the tender age of 5, paving the way for her diverse involvement in the chess technical official sphere.
As an accomplished international Arbiter, Chess Trainer, and Organizer , she has garned significant recognition.
The African Chess Confederation media team had a privilege of speaking with Maha Mahmoud following her prestigious award as the Best Arab Chess Character in 2024.
Thank you, Maha, for dedicating time to converse with us. Could you please introduce yourself to our readers?
I am a chess enthusiast who received the award for Best Arab Chess Personality in 2024. As an International Arbiter and General Secretary of the Arab Ladies Committee in the Arab Chess Federation, I also serve as the Tornelo Platform Administrator, FIDE Instructor, International Player, and former Egyptian National Team player. Additionally, I am the founder and organizer of Queens of Chess, having successfully completed an IO seminar. Holding a Master’s degree in Economics from Cairo University, I am also a certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist from ACAMS-USA. Furthermore, I have experience as a lecturer in Disaster and Crisis Management at the Islamic University of Minnesota-USA and as a licensed Risk Manager with the Egyptian Financial Supervisory Authority. Arabic is my native language, and I am fluent in English.
As a player , I started playing chess since I was 5 years old and have achieved a lot of tournaments first place or second in many tournaments as schools competition and child festival chess competitions amongst UAE in early 90s then I graduated from Cairo University after being the Chess Champion of Cairo University in all my time , Ladies Champion of Cairo University in Assiut 20032004 , Champion of Cairo University – League champion -2003/2004, and also was the captain of the team and expanded my victories to be the Egyptian Ladies chess champion in 2003-2004 and Second in 2004-2005 and then awarded 2nd place-Silver medal in 9th All Africa games in 2007 and many other achievements as first place in ladies. Ladies Champion of Open Ladies Tournament in UAE (Crystal Plaza) -2005, Ladies Champion in Ramadan tournament held in Alsaid club-2007-2008,• Ladies Champion in Mahalla International Championship(March 2010) , I even won International masters addition to the great history of being Ladies Champion , Ladies Champion in 2nd Shooting Club International Rapid Chess 2018 and Second Place-Ladies in Mohamad Saad Rapid-2018 , Second place leading my Team in Egyptian Women Chess Cup-2018, Second place in Egyptian Championship 2010 for Blitz winning IMs. and many more.
As an International Arbiter ,I started arbitration since 16 years old , I learned the hard way and witnessed manual pairings white cards and swiss pairings floppy disk .I started to learn everything in early age ,I even was in all over UAE chess federation Arbiter no.30, I attended advanced arbiter course in 2002 then in 2003 I arbitrated the 1st Institutions & Centers Tournament and also the 1st Schools Tournament in 2005 and continued between Egypt and UAE ,I have been Deputy Chief Arbiter for Alexandeia Open and Egyptian Championship in 2011 and many Egyptian Leagues (20132013) ,(2013-2014),(2018-2019) and Women League and Women’s Cup in 2020 and more. Further until I reached IA and arbitrate a huge event as a sector arbiter Sector Arbiter 8th Sharjah INT. Chess CH. Cup for Women 2017 & Flag day in 2018 and after lots of struggles for 23 years and a very late IA title in 2018 I start being noticed as an arab expert lady in chess arbitration .In 2024 I have been assigned as a sector arbiter in 13th Africa Games in 2024 for all the 6 tournaments, Chief Arbiter(&Pairings)-30thAbu Dhabi International Chess Festival-OpenB- 2024, Chief Arbiter -29th Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival-Ladies-Sep 2023, Deputy Chief Arbiter- 29thAbu Dhabi International Chess Festival-Juniors 2023 and ended in 2025 assigned as Deputy Chief ArbiterMasters-1st Kuwait Chess Festival -2025.I also love volunteering for People of Determination Chess Tournaments and was awarded by Dubai Police twice as a main factor of society happiness and chess tournament success.
As a Trainer ,I achieved Fide instructor License through success in GM Karpov course in 2013 after a huge effort , training and composition of the Arab Chess Club team who had obtained the third place in the institutions and centers Championship.Also training in many different places ,clubs and schools assigned by the chess federation. As an organizer-Passed IO seminar & organized many tournaments. Organizer & Administrator in African Chess Confederation (Tornelo), General Coordinator in the first on-line Ladies tournament organized by Egyptian Chess Federation (2020),Queens of Chess Founder & Organizer motivating Ladies continuation in Coronavirus (Online) Professionally with full manual,E-form registration and daily scheduled tournaments .Individuals & Teams.
What sparked your interest in chess?
My family instilled in me a profound sense of love and passion, which has been nurtured since birth. As the child of Dr. Mona Ellabody, the pioneering Arab lady who became Africa’s first international Arbiter, I was destined for greatness in chess.
My mother coached the Sharjah Chess Club’s ladies team for years, cementing her position as a backbone of chess in the UAE and Egypt. My sisters Dr Merihan Mahmoud, Dr Mayada, and Dr Marwa have also excelled in chess, with Merihan becoming the youngest Arab international Arbiter, Mayada earning her FIDE Arbiter title, and Marwa emerging as a chess champion.
Meanwhile, my father has also achieved international Arbiter status.
Through chess, I’ve developed the skills and confidence that have enabled me to become the accomplished lady I am today.
Your extensive experience as an official has taken you to numerous continents and international chess tournaments. Which three events have left a lasting impression on you, and what aspects of these tournaments made them particularly noteworthy?
On the Board Tournaments
1- 13th African games as a sector arbiter which was a life change as I was nominated by madam president as sector arbiter for all 6 Tournaments and it was special for because it was the first time and I met Mr. victor bolgan -Executive Director of Fide and worked under his supervision.
2- 30th Abudhabi Chess Festival as I was the Chief Arbiter of Open-B who had 300 players -A very huge tournament and got the trust to run it and it was well done.Also 29th Abudhabi Chess Festival was nice as being the Chief Arbiter for Ladies Tournament and what made it special making it almost females in arbitration team.
3- 1st kuwait international chess festival as I was assigned as deputy chief arbiter in masters and it was special because it was the first in Kuwait and I have contributed in the success of that festival and was handling and caring for the Egyptian champions and GM Adham did get the first place and doubled my pride more over was also named by the best arab chess character while honoring me.
Online Tournaments
1- Tournament Director for AFRICAN GUINNESS WORLD RECORD TOURNAMENT/ (WORLD FID GUINNESS ATTEMPT) as that was the first ever to handle such a huge event 12 Hours Marathon ,54 titled players,46 federations,+600 requests,6368 games,438,686 moves. And That was a challenge to organize an online event in Africa which is not used to that kind and explaining ,training and teaching them with all the challenges and obstacles Known in Africa.
2- African Online Chess Championship for People with Disabilities ( Chief Arbiter ) as it was the 1st Tournament online African Online Chess Championship for People with Disabilities.
3- African Online World Cup Qualifiers. (2021) because it was the first and I have been Assigned for Tornelo Platform Administrator and being an ACC organizer by ACC president and -had worked closely with Tornelo Team David Cordover& IA- Jirina Prokopova.
What should we do to ensure that we have more arbiters from the continent officiating in major chess competition?
1- A huge proper analysis and statistics to run a proper list report guarantying the support to people who were in chess field since ages with a chess history and did not take proper opportunities to upgrade as a priority (Specially Ladies) with more arabs to be involved . Recognizing the people who did suffer specially arab ladies , speaking from real grounds as myself for 23 years of Arbitration with one nomination in Africa only on the board tournament by Madam President and never nominated for a world tournament.
2- Continuous proper training to arbiters and educating them all the time to be aware when they get a position how to be a proper presentation to Africa.
3- Recommendation Reports about the arbiters who were not getting any chances for years (Specially Ladies) to be added in World Tournaments.
What advice would you give to a young person who would want to become an arbiter someday?
To excel as an Arbiter, it’s essential to master legal principles and stay abreast of real-world cases, applying this expertise to make informed decisions. Being a player provides a unique perspective. Continuous learning through courses and seminars is critical. I adhere to the three Ns: never be arrogant, respect seniors, never underestimate the potential of women, and never prejudge, understanding that arbitration encompasses both legal knowledge and personal attributes, behavior, and etiquette.
What do you like to do in your free time?
My preferred hobbies include playing table tennis, going to the cinema, and enjoying coffee dates, in addition to swimming and taking trips with delightful companions.
Who are your chess role models?
I admire several chess figures, with GM Bassem Amin standing out for his humility and achievements. GM Adham Fawzy is another notable figure. In leadership, IA Dr. Mona Ellabody is a shining example, having championed women’s chess in the UAE, Asia, and Egypt, Africa, and empowering Arab ladies.
Reflecting on the last three years, do you think chess in Africa has evolved?
The organization has made significant strides in enhancing its media presence, website, and engagement with chess news and key stakeholders. Online tournaments have been thriving in Africa, with notable achievements including the inaugural African Online Chess Championships for People with Disabilities and a record-breaking online event in collaboration with FIDE. The President and her executive team have been working to expand Africa’s visibility, but further efforts are needed to promote African Arab women in chess. Ultimately, education and training in chess and arbitration will be crucial in empowering women to excel in the sport.
Looking ahead to the next five years, what are your chess aspirations?
Representing Arab African Ladies in a leadership capacity, offering assistance across Africa and internationally, and driving innovation in the world of women’s chess.
