Saudis are ditching screens for face-to-face fun

A tabletop games cafe in Saudi Arabia, offering a wide selection of international and local games. (Supplied\Roaa Al-Johani \Hayy Jameel)
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A tabletop games cafe in Saudi Arabia, offering a wide selection of international and local games. (Supplied\Roaa Al-Johani \Hayy Jameel)
Saudis are ditching screens for face-to-face fun
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A quiet chess match unfolds during a relaxed evening at home. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)
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Updated 20 April 2025
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Saudis are ditching screens for face-to-face fun

Saudis are ditching screens for face-to-face fun
  • Tabletop games bring families together for unplugged fun and real connections

RIYADH: In a screen-saturated world where social interactions often shrink to notifications, analog fun is reshaping Saudi leisure. Board games, once dismissed as childish relics, are experiencing a revival across the Kingdom. Whether at home, in cafes, or at traditional majlis gatherings, Saudis are increasingly turning to tabletop games for fun, connection and cultural relevance.

What began as a simple form of entertainment during family nights or holidays has grown into a social phenomenon, with games like Jackaroo, Sequence and locally designed options such as Saudi Deal, Elaab Bel Khames (Play With Five), La Tagool (Don’t say), and Ensan, Hayawan, Khashaabalan (Person, Animal, Nonsense) now staples in Saudi homes.




A tabletop games cafe in Saudi Arabia, offering a wide selection of international and local games. (Supplied\Roaa Al-Johani \Hayy Jameel)

“It became a trend because people miss real-life connection,” said Roaa Al-Johani. “Playing face to face just hits different, especially these days.”

This sentiment is echoed across Saudi homes, where board games have moved from being a once-in-a-while pastime to an essential part of gatherings.

I’d love to see games that tell stories from our culture or dive into Saudi history in a fun, modern way.

Wojoud Aziz

“Board games are a big part of our culture now,” Al-Johani added. “You see them in cafes — some cafes are fully built around them. Every Saudi home probably has either a Jackaroo or a Carrom board, especially after the (pandemic) era.”

During the pandemic, with more people spending time at home and looking for ways to unplug from screens, tabletop games offered a low-tech yet highly engaging alternative.




A tabletop games cafe in Saudi Arabia, offering a wide selection of international and local games. (Supplied\Roaa Al-Johani \Hayy Jameel)

Al-Johani shared how her own family embraced this shift: “I come from a family that loves board games to the point that my grandpa has a Jackaroo board in his majlis and invites his friends and neighbors to play. It’s kind of how we bond — when we play, age doesn’t really matter.”

The appeal lies in the shared experience. Unlike video games, which are often isolating or limited to a few players, board games bring people together physically and emotionally.




A tabletop games cafe in Saudi Arabia, offering a wide selection of international and local games. (Supplied\Roaa Al-Johani \Hayy Jameel)

“Even though I’m a hardcore gamer, I still prefer board games sometimes,” she said. “It’s really about the people you’re with — not just the game. The vibes, the laughs, the face-to-face time … it just feels more real.”

Norah Shobili, who recently tried Jackaroo, was similarly surprised by how engaging it was. “I used to think it was a kid’s game because they were the only ones playing it, but once I learned it, it was genuinely fun!”

People miss real-life connection. Playing face to face just hits different, especially these days.

Roaa Al-Johani

More than the gameplay itself, Shobili highlighted the intergenerational aspect of local games. “‏Back when Monopoly was the trend, kids wouldn’t play with elderly, because they’re kids they don’t know how to play, but with Jackaroo you see the elders team up with the young ones because they’re very good!”




CaptioA retro-style football board game draws family members together in an evening of lighthearted rivalry. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)n

Wojoud Aziz said that Saudi-made games resonate deeply with local culture: “They speak our language — literally. The humor, the names, the style — it all feels like home. You can tell they’re made by people who understand our culture and how we hang out.”

According to Aziz, board games are now a fixture in Saudi social life. “They weren’t always this big, but now? They’re part of the plan. I always see people playing them during family gatherings or chill hangouts.




A traditional Saudi game night with a personal twist — pastel-colored Hello Kitty cards meet local wooden game boards in a nostalgic, floor-style setup. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

“It gets super competitive but in a fun way, and everyone’s into it — even those who don’t usually play games.”

While most local games focus on fun, she believes there is more to them than meets the eye. “Some games really push you to focus, plan ahead and even read other players’ vibes. It’s low-key educational, too, but without making it feel like school, you know?”




Casual dominos outdoors. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

The social value of these games is clear. “Board games have the advantage of being present with your family — if not verbally then at least physically,” Shobili said. “The whole family in one room, and as long as whoever you call will answer, that’s more than enough to spend quality time for me. It’s more about being there rather than doing something or talking.”

She also believes that Saudi game developers can take creative liberties, as long as they do not lose what matters most. “As long as they preserve the spirit of gatherings — being able to play as a big group regardless of age — they can develop however they want.”

That inclusivity is crucial. “Not all international games are translatable,” she said.

Looking ahead, both players and creators hope to see more storytelling and cultural depth in locally made games. “I’d love to see games that tell stories from our culture or dive into Saudi history in a fun, modern way,” Aziz said. “Something that mixes nostalgia with creativity — and hopefully goes global.”

As Saudis seek richer, more engaging ways to connect with friends and family, board games have become more than just entertainment — they are a bridge between generations, a spark for laughter, and a reason to put phones down and just be present.

 


Saudi Arabia highlights museums’ growing role in heritage preservation

Saudi Arabia highlights museums’ growing role in heritage preservation
Updated 17 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia highlights museums’ growing role in heritage preservation

Saudi Arabia highlights museums’ growing role in heritage preservation
  • The session illustrated how museums can serve as dynamic platforms to showcase intangible heritage through immersive experiences

JEDDAH: The Saudi National Museum hosted International Museum Day celebrations in Riyadh on Saturday under the theme “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities.”

The event brought together cultural and heritage experts, artists, and enthusiasts for a day of dialogue, workshops, and interactive sessions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It opened with a panel titled “Living Heritage in Rapidly Changing Communities,” followed by a thought-provoking session on “Museums and Change.”

Speakers discussed how museums can evolve to reflect and respond to the fast-paced transformations shaping modern society.

A highlight was an interactive session on “Saudi Storytelling and Performing Arts in Museums,” emphasizing the power of narrative in preserving cultural identity and passing values to younger generations.

The session illustrated how museums can serve as dynamic platforms to showcase intangible heritage through immersive experiences.

Another panel, “Technological Challenges in Cultural Heritage,” explored innovative ways to safeguard and share heritage using digital tools.

This theme was further explored in the workshop “Craft and Technology: The Art of Digital Weaving,” where participants examined the intersection of traditional crafts and modern digital techniques.

Throughout the sessions, participants stressed the importance of community engagement, reinforcing museums’ role as inclusive spaces for education, creativity, and cultural innovation in a rapidly changing world.

The event also featured additional panels and workshops on museums’ evolving role in preserving identity and addressing contemporary challenges.


Saudi artist preserves Al-Qatt Al-Asiri art over decades

Saudi artist preserves Al-Qatt Al-Asiri art over decades
Updated 17 May 2025
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Saudi artist preserves Al-Qatt Al-Asiri art over decades

Saudi artist preserves Al-Qatt Al-Asiri art over decades
  • Al-Qatt, Al-Katba, or Al-Zayan, received international reognition in 2017 when it was registered on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage

RIYADH: For more than three decades, Saudi visual artist Ibrahim Al-Almaai has devoted his time to documenting Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, a vibrant, centuries-old art form traditionally painted by women on the walls of homes across the Asir region.

In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency, Al-Almaai emphasized that for the past 33 years, not a week has passed without him visiting a village in the eastern, western, northern, or central parts of the Asir region.

His mission: to seek out the remnants of this heritage art in homes, many of which have been lost to time and weather.

Despite the challenges, he has documented more than 1,200 variations of Al-Qatt patterns and colors.

The traditional art, known as Al-Qatt, Al-Katba, or Al-Zayan, received international reognition in 2017 when it was registered on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

But long before, Al-Almaai had been tirelessly cataloging the artwork, oftenn navigating harsh conditions, including dilapidated buildings and the threat of snakes and poisonous insects, to reach the artworks.

Almost every visit revealed intricate designs made using natural pigments sourced from the surrounding environment.

He explained to SPA that there are four key components of a typical heritage home adorned with Al-Qatt. Al Shabaka (the Network) are single-colored, interlaced lines that create the structural foundation of the design.

Al-Hanash (the Snake) are serpent-like motifs inspired by the Coluber snake, winding rhythmically across the walls.

Al-Khatmah or Al-Akhtam (the Seal) are a form of visual closure at the end of a design.

Al-Qatt (the Lines) are the horizontal strokes layered beneath the primary art, referred to as Al-Katba (the Writing), Al-Naqsh (the Inscription), or Al-Zayan (the Adornment) depending on the local dialect.

Al-Almaai’s lifelong dedication underscores the importance of preserving Saudi Arabia’s artistic and cultural legacy — one painted wall at a time.


Saudi minister of state praises US decision to lift Syria sanctions

Saudi minister of state praises US decision to lift Syria sanctions
Updated 17 May 2025
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Saudi minister of state praises US decision to lift Syria sanctions

Saudi minister of state praises US decision to lift Syria sanctions

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir said Saturday the US decision to lift sanctions on Syria is a great opportunity for the country’s recovery. 

Al-Jubeir made the remarks as he delivered Saudi Arabia’s speech at the 34th Arab League Summit in Baghdad.  

He described the announcement made by US President Donald Trump in Riyadh last week, who promised to remove sanctions on Syria, “as a great opportunity that supports the recovery, development, reconstruction, and prosperity in Syria.” 

Arab leaders meeting at an annual summit in Baghdad were trying to reach a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip and promised to contribute to the reconstruction of the territory once the war stops.

In his speech, Al-Jubeir stressed that Saudi Arabia supports Lebanon's efforts to restrict the ownership of weapons to the state. 

He also noted that the kingdom continues to exert efforts to achieve a complete ceasefire between the warring parties in Sudan.  

 


Saudi project turns heritage into virtual tourism

Saudi project turns heritage into virtual tourism
Updated 17 May 2025
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Saudi project turns heritage into virtual tourism

Saudi project turns heritage into virtual tourism
  • King Abdulaziz University drives innovation with geomatics technology in historic Jeddah

JEDDAH: King Abdulaziz University, through its Faculty of Architecture and Planning, has completed a virtual tourism project using geomatics technologies to deliver interactive tours of key tourist destinations.

The initiative enhances the visibility of cultural and heritage sites, and reflects the growing use of technologies to collect, analyze and interpret spatial data, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Geomatics — an interdisciplinary field combining geography, engineering, geographic information systems and remote sensing — supports informed decision-making across various sectors.

The project uses virtual tourism to help position the Kingdom as a competitive global destination, according to the SPA.

It supports the digital transformation of the tourism sector in line with Vision 2030 by using advanced technologies to create immersive experiences that allow users to explore cultural and heritage landmarks remotely.

It also aligns with the Kingdom’s progress in virtual tourism, supported by the Ministry of Tourism’s digital strategy launched in February 2022.

The strategy includes nine programs and 31 initiatives aimed at improving the tourist experience through virtual and augmented reality technologies.

Rayan Sahahiri, a faculty member in the geomatics department and project supervisor, said the initiative enhances spatial analysis of historic buildings and provides an interactive platform for virtual exploration of architectural features along the Al-Alawi axis in historic Jeddah, known as Al-Balad.

He added that the project promotes cultural awareness and could help attract investment to the tourism sector, the SPA reported.

Sahahiri pointed to historic Jeddah as a fitting example, with its many heritage buildings recognized by UNESCO.

The project offers virtual tours of sites along the Al-Alawi axis, highlighting the details of traditional Islamic architecture.

Abdullah Al-Attas, also a faculty member in the geomatics department, expressed pride in the project, which was developed by Saudi geomatics graduates Abdulrahman Kateb and Mohammed Al-Marouei.

He said that beyond digital documentation, the project aims to build a comprehensive information network to support tourism investment.

It seeks to attract both local and international investors, and contribute to the development of a digital tourism ecosystem aligned with the Kingdom’s digital transformation goals.


The Garden brings adventure to Jeddah Season

The Garden brings adventure to Jeddah Season
Updated 17 May 2025
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The Garden brings adventure to Jeddah Season

The Garden brings adventure to Jeddah Season

JEDDAH: The Garden, a dynamic zone within City Walk, invites visitors of Jeddah Season on a journey where fun meets adventure.

This area features three vibrant activity stations — archery, car racing, and remote-controlled watercraft — set against a picturesque backdrop, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Blending the thrill of competition with the charm of the outdoors, The Garden offers an exciting atmosphere for residents and visitors alike until June 14.

Each interactive space reflects modern entertainment trends, engaging visitors from the moment they arrive, the SPA reported.

Reimagined as a haven for family fun, The Garden delivers world-class entertainment tailored to visitors’ aspirations, with attention to detail enhancing the experience.

It boasts lush landscaping, flowing artificial rivers, and comfortable seating under tree-lined pathways, offering moments of tranquility amid the lively environment, according to the SPA.

Spanning more than 281,000 sq. meters, City Walk includes several themed areas, such as Cairo Nights, Wonder Wall, Adventure Land, and Horror Village.

It features 77 retail outlets, 65 restaurants and cafes, 81 games, 10 immersive experiences, and a lineup of theatrical and musical performances.

City Walk aims to showcase Jeddah’s cultural vibrancy through its culinary and entertainment offerings, reflecting the zone’s evolving identity as a leading destination for regional tourism.