Kirsan Ilumjinov, the current President of the Russian internally self-governing republic of Kalmykia has announced plans to establish an international chess city in Dubai, with total investment expected to reach Dh9.6 billion ($2.6 billion).

The project will include 32 buildings, with the two King towers standing at an altitude of 64 floors, in the design of the traditional black and white chessboard. The new development will have three to seven-star hotels and hotel apartments (the King and Minister towers will be categorized as seven-star). The whole facility will cover an estimated 64,000 sq m.
“All the buildings that will make up the International Chess City will be shaped like chess pieces and have the traditional black and white colours of the game,” said Ilumijinov.
The “King” buildings will be the tallest.
Work is under way to collect all building plans, as well as deciding the location of the project.