Why Baloot is so popular with Saudis

Some sources say that Baloot entered the Kingdom more than 100 years ago, and spread rapidly in Saudi society. (AN photo)
Updated 04 April 2018
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Why Baloot is so popular with Saudis

  • Baloot game said to have entered the Kingdom more than 100 years ago
  • People play the game everywhere, during friendly meetings, family gatherings, and weddings too

JEDDAH: For decades, Baloot has been one of the most popular card games among the Arabian Gulf youth, and Saudis in particular. People of all ages play it, but it is mostly popular among young men.
It is similar to the French Belote. Some say it is originally a French game, others believe it is Indian. Some sources say that Baloot entered the Kingdom more than 100 years ago, and spread rapidly in Saudi society.
There are those who say the name of the game came from the English word “plot,” which means a plan or a deal, and this describes how the game is played.
The game has many rules that may slightly differ from one region to another. Players need time to master the game. To play it you need only playing cards, and four players familiar with the rules of the game.
The four players are divided into two teams, two players each. Baloot uses 32 cards only, cards with numbers from 2 to 6 are excluded from the game.
One player distributes 32 cards and each player gets five cards each. The two players facing each other work as a team to win as many high-ranking cards as possible.
The main goal is to win the rounds in which high-ranking cards are played. The players collect cards by “eating” the cards of the opponent.
The game is played by two systems, San and Hokom, and the first is stronger than the second. The systems differ in the way the cards are ordered from strong to weak.
Hamad Al-Harbi, 26, is from Riyadh. He has been playing Baloot for more than 12 years. “The reason for Baloot’s popularity is the availability of playing cards — if you have them you can play — and that it does not need any physical effort or a certain suitable place,” he told Arab News.
“It is not an easy game. The player needs skill and there is a lot of competition and enjoyment,” he added.
Amen Sembawi, 59, from Jeddah, has been playing Baloot for more than 30 years. He told Arab News: “I am extremely happy that finally, Baloot has had the chance to be known internationally. Good players need to be alert, smart and skillful because it is a highly competitive game.”
Sembawi added: “Baloot is very popular. People play it everywhere, during friendly meetings, family gatherings, and weddings too. Each group who usually play together may make their own rules and they are called Bashkah.
“A new player needs first to learn about Baloot rules, watch others playing it, then practice it until he or she masters the game.”
The General Sports Authority announced that Riyadh will host the first Baloot championship at the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center, from April 4-18.
The top four players will receive prize money totaling more than SR1 million ($270,000), including SR500,000 for the winner.


Saudi Arabia urges greater focus on human rights in Palestine 

President of Saudi Human Rights Commission, Hala Al-Tuwaijri, delivers a speech.
Updated 59 min 6 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia urges greater focus on human rights in Palestine 

  • Saudi rights chief highlights Vision 2030’s commitment to equality and global peace at UN session in Geneva

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia called for greater focus on the human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories at a UN meeting in Switzerland.

The Kingdom also reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

This was part of the speech delivered by the president of the Saudi Human Rights Commission and head of the Kingdom’s delegation, Hala Al-Tuwaijri, at the high-level segment of the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Al-Tuwaijri said Saudi Arabia has made significant reforms in human rights, driven by Vision 2030, which is based on principles of equality, non-discrimination, and the right to development.

“This vision has empowered women, youth, and vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, the elderly, and migrant workers, while enhancing the quality of life for all,” Al-Tuwaijri said.

“Moreover, Vision 2030 has increased the efficiency of relevant authorities to host major global events and initiatives, with people and their rights at the heart of national priorities.”

Al-Tuwaijri emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening its legislative framework, which has built a strong legal system to protect and uphold human rights.

Through comprehensive legal reforms and new legislation, Saudi Arabia has reinforced protections for all individuals. The Kingdom now embraces a diverse society with over 15 million foreigners from more than 60 nationalities — making up over 44 percent of the population — who enjoy their rights under the highest standards of legal protection, she said.

Al-Tuwaijri reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to promoting international peace and security, guided by its core values and adherence to the UN Charter.

She also highlighted the Kingdom’s support for just causes and its proactive role in resolving global crises, including its efforts in the Ukrainian crisis.

Notably, mediation led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman resulted in several successful prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine, Al-Tuwaijri said.

“For human rights to be universally upheld, we must cultivate strong societies by confronting harmful practices that undermine social harmony, including contempt for religions, hate speech, and the weakening of family values,” she concluded.

Al-Tuwaijri reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to deepening cooperation with UN human rights mechanisms, stressing the importance of respecting diverse values and embracing cultural and civilizational diversity to protect and promote human rights.


Saudi Arabia opens registration for Ramadan volunteers

Updated 50 min 5 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia opens registration for Ramadan volunteers

MAKKAH: The Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has announced the opening of volunteer registration for the holy month of Ramadan, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the National Center for the Non-Profit Sector, the presidency aims to attract and use national talent to serve pilgrims and visitors.

Integrated volunteer programs in religious specializations will be offered, with plans to create more than 100 new opportunities, totaling more than 300 hours, the SPA reported.

A comprehensive volunteer database has been developed to streamline recruitment and communication, according to the report.

Volunteers are sought for roles in guidance, awareness, media, technical fields, Qur’an recitation correction, and translation.

The presidency also prepared a set of enriching initiatives as part of its operational plan for the holy month.

Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the presidency, said the operational plan for Ramadan is centered around 10 enriching tracks.

He said the aim is to enhance the experience of visitors to the Two Holy Mosques, featuring more than 120 scientific, intellectual, and guidance initiatives to highlight the virtues of the holy month.


Saudi cabinet looks forward for innovative outcomes of Riyadh humanitarian forum

Updated 52 min 49 sec ago
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Saudi cabinet looks forward for innovative outcomes of Riyadh humanitarian forum

  • Cabinet hopes to see more developed and innovative solutions would come out of 4th Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum

RIYADH: The Saudi Cabinet said on Tuesday it looks forward to the outcomes of the 4th Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum and how it can contribute to unifying efforts. 

The cabinet statement said it hopes to see more developed and innovative solutions come out of the Riyadh forum to enhance humanitarian response for crises around the world, the Saudi Press Agency reported.   

The Riyadh event was attended by princes, ministers, diplomats, and leaders from local, Gulf, Arab, and international governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as UN humanitarian experts. 

The Cabinet also thanked Russian President Vladmir Putin for praising Saudi Arabia’s efforts in hosting fruitful talks with United States last week. 

It said that during a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, President Putin has expressed “positive feelings towards the kingdom and its efforts in hosting the US-Russia talks” SPA reported.  

The Council reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to exerting efforts to enhance security and peace around the world, and to consolidate dialogue as the only way to resolve all international crises.


Saudi, Indian officials discuss judicial cooperation

Updated 25 February 2025
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Saudi, Indian officials discuss judicial cooperation

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Attorney General Sheikh Saud Al-Mujib received his Indian counterpart R. Venkataramani and his delegation at the Public Prosecution’s headquarters in Riyadh.

Al-Mujib stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation to ensure better judicial outcomes in both countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

Venkataramani attended a presentation on prosecutorial criminal procedures and technological advancements in judicial processes.

This visit reflects the growing relations between the two countries, which have made significant progress across various fields, the SPA reported.

Earlier this month, Al-Mujib met with Egypt’s Prosecutor General Mohamed Shawky and Justice Minister Adnan Al-Fangari in Cairo.

Al-Mujib emphasized the importance of exchanging expertise and strengthening cooperation in training and judicial governance.

He also highlighted the significant support the Public Prosecution receives from Saudi Arabia’s leadership to enhance the justice system’s efficiency and protect its independence.


Saudi minister explores healthcare ties in Indonesia

Updated 25 February 2025
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Saudi minister explores healthcare ties in Indonesia

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel met with Indonesia’s Minister of Manpower Yassierli and Migrant Workers Protection Minister Abdul Kadir Karding in Jakarta to discuss ways to boost ties.

This was a part of Al-Jalajel’s two-day visit to Indonesia, which concluded on Tuesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The discussions focused on attracting qualified healthcare professionals, training of workers, and exchanging expertise.

The meeting also addressed ways to facilitate the employment of Indonesian healthcare workers in the Kingdom’s public and private sectors, the SPA reported.

In support of the plan to enhance cooperation, Al-Jalajel and his counterparts witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Kingdom’s Healthcare Holding Co., Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta, and Gadjah Mada University.

Al-Jalajel also met with Indonesia’s Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar for talks, with a focus on health-related aspects of the Hajj.

Their discussions covered the health requirements for Hajj including mandatory vaccinations for Indonesian pilgrims.

The two ministers also explored initiatives to enhance pre-Hajj health awareness campaigns to improve preventive measures and safeguard the well-being of pilgrims.