On May 5, in Dubai, Kirsan Ilyumzhinov met with the Minister of Sport, Youth and Culture of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan. Sheikh Nahyan's grandson also attended the meeting.

The sides discussed the development of chess in the region. In addition, Sheikh Nahyan supported Ilyumzhinov's nomination for the post of FIDE President in the 2018 elections. After the constructive business talks, a gala dinner took place.