Baloot: The No. 1 social activity in Saudi Arabia is an integral part of the culture, and popular with people of all ages

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The screening of the Baloot Championship in Riyadh on television has illustrated the popularity of the game. (SPA)
Updated 02 November 2018
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Baloot: The No. 1 social activity in Saudi Arabia is an integral part of the culture, and popular with people of all ages

  • With only four players and 32 cards, the objective is to outsmart and outplay your opponent.
  • Some believe the game originated in France, where it is known as “Belote,” and migrated with the Ottoman expansion

JEDDAH: The popularity of the trick-taking card game Baloot shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone in the region, but it might to any outsider who saw the second Baloot Championship in Riyadh on television this month.

For generations, Baloot has been played exactly as it is today, and it has remained an integral part of Saudi culture. With only four players and 32 cards, the objective is to outsmart and outplay your opponent: Are you up for the challenge?

For years, Saudis have seen the male figures in their family and circle of friends lose themselves in the game, although women have been known to play too.

“I’ve been playing Baloot for over 40 years with the same people,” said engineer Esam Al-Shihry. “My friends come and go, but with this group of friends, our game plans are set, our partners are known, and we’ve been consistent for years. We’ve hardly ever missed a weekend.  Many of the guys would come and go as their jobs required them, but when they head back in town, we’d always gather in the same majlis, same teacups and same group of players.

“With this close relationship, it’s hard for your partner not to comprehend your ultimate goal in the game set, so when it does happen, let’s just say, he’ll have a hard time holding the cards for a week,” said Al-Shihry, laughing.  

“Why is that?” Arab News asked.

“Well, my child, you just can’t miss a beat.  If they do, all I could say is either run or duck.  That should teach them a lesson,” he said, clearly amused.

Some believe the game originated in France, where it is known as “Belote,” and migrated with the Ottoman expansion (it is also played in countries such as Cyprus, Armenia and Bulgaria). Others believe it migrated from India, reaching the shores of the Arabian Peninsula through trade routes.  

The rules of the Saudi version of the game are simple but strict, requiring risk-taking, strategy and skill. There are two hands to the game: Hokum and Sun, with 32 cards dealt, excluding the numbers 2-6 but including the Joker.

The dealer deals eight cards to each player counter-clockwise. The player on his left cuts the cards then the dealer starts dealing. This technique is used to ensure the dealer doesn’t cheat, and the left player divides the deck in half, places one half over the other then gives it back. Then the dealer gives away the cards, 3-2-public card-3 “only 2 for the buyer,” starting with his right in an order of  three at once, two at once then one single card is placed on the table, or floor, for the “buyer.”  Once the buyer takes the card, they set the game plan in motion by choosing Hokum or Sun. The buyer must be sure that the card he’s buying is his best bet to get as many points in the game.  

To properly claim it, the buyer, who is on the right of the dealer, must use the term “awal,” or first.  The rest of the cards are then dealt until all players have a set of eight each. If the player on the dealer’s right side refuses to buy the card, a “pass” is given and he uses the term “bas” to pass.  If the public card is refused by all, it’s replaced by another, and the same terminology is used for the second round.

There is a catch though: If the bought card is an ace of spades in the second round and the player wants to set the game as Hokum, you can’t use the strong cards with the spade: You have either the club or heart or diamond.  The buyer loses his chance to decide the game plan. It’s a game of strategy and whether you are willing to take a (non-monetary) gamble. Here’s where a player’s experience in the game discretely comes into play.

The key component in the game is to be vigilant. No speaking is allowed, and you must keep a poker face.  

Players must evaluate their cards by strength, and the public card is the key to winning as many points as possible. Whichever hand they’re given, the order of the cards is important by strength.  For Sun, the ace is the strongest, followed by a 10, K, Q, J, 9, 8, 7. As for Hokum, the J is strongest, 9, ace, 10, K, Q, 8 and 7. 

Once players organize their cards, each start throwing one card at a time in rounds, taking into account whichever they see fit for their set.  Again, teammates must stay vigilant and cautious: If your opponent catches whiff of which card set you’re playing, they’ll hamper your attempts every chance they get.

Here’s where some tempers could flare. Teammates could help each other if they catch a glimpse of their game plans. They could have secret codes or moves that would indicate the game is set and it is time to reveal their cards for the win.  Miss out? Then expect a reprimand, of course, all in the spirit of the game. If you miss your cue with a big game play, just watch your head.

Once a round is over and all cards are dealt, the score of each team is added as each card has a ranking: the game set Hokum differs from Sun in scoring. Here’s where the fun lies: The higher the score, the stronger the shock from the players.  The strength of the player in this trick-taking game is decided by how well they score. With no luck involved, it all falls to how smooth your posture is, maintaining a vigilant mind and a good eye.

Sheikha M, a 30-year-old interior designer and her 28-year old sister Noura, a nutritionist, gather weekly at their friend’s house for a night of Baloot. “We’ve been doing this for over three years now,” said Sheikha. “My sister and I are close as well as our friends, and I taught them how to play Baloot the same way my father taught me. An added extra would be getting his temper too, and I am now prohibited from having any dangerous items near me,” she said laughingly.

“We spend hours playing one round after another,” Noura said. “Conversations float from one topic to the next, and we all relax after a hectic work week. I don’t think I would prefer anything else, for that matter. It’s relaxing, you have a good crowd around you, and that’s what the game is all about, except for the flying objects Sheikha vents her frustration through.”

In this month’s Baloot championship, in which more than 2,000 people participated, first-place winners received a prize of one million Saudi riyals. Who said playing cards was a waste of time? Surely mothers will now think twice before scolding their children for playing.


‘Lion King’ roars into life with Ithra live orchestra in Dhahran

Updated 05 July 2025
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‘Lion King’ roars into life with Ithra live orchestra in Dhahran

  • Family favorite is part of Ithra’s Disney in Concert series along with ‘Frozen’

DHAHRAN: Nearly three decades after it first captivated global audiences, Disney’s “The Lion King” dazzled new and older generations at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, or Ithra, in Dhahran this week by offering a chance to watch the film anew with a live orchestra.

“We hope that it will bring goosebumps and tears,” conductor Erik Ochsner told the crowd before the show. “This is a live performance, and so we would beg of you to please just enjoy it live.”

“The kids have seen the movie multiple times; we’ve all seen the movie multiple times. (Supplied)

As it has done in previous experiences, such as the 2019 and 2022 live orchestra showcases of several “Harry Potter” films in concert series, Ithra brought a full orchestra to perform Hans Zimmer’s Oscar-winning score while the animated film played in the background on a large screen.

For the experience, the film was stripped of the music while all the original audio, including dialogue and songs, remained untouched. The orchestra played those musical parts, breathing new life into the scenes without burying the essence of the nostalgic original.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Joining conductor Erik Ochsner was the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, under the artistic direction of Sergey Smbatyan.

• For the experience, the Disney film was stripped of the music while all the original audio, including dialogue, remained untouched.

• ‘We hope that it will bring goosebumps and tears,’ Ochsner told the crowd before the show.

People clapped and sang along when the popular “Hakuna Matata” tune came on.

Originally released in 1994, “The Lion King” quickly became one of Disney’s most iconic films, celebrated for its powerful storytelling, memorable characters, and stirring soundtrack.

People clapped and sang along when the popular “Hakuna Matata” tune came on. (Supplied)

The animated film follows Simba, a young lion prince navigating the trials of loss, betrayal, and self-discovery on his journey to reclaim his rightful place in the animal kingdom.

At Ithra, this emotional arc was heightened by the rich, resonant sound of the live symphony orchestra, turning each moment— whether turbulent or triumphant— into an unforgettable experience.

Ithra brought a full orchestra to perform Hans Zimmer’s Oscar-winning ‘The Lion King’ score while the film played on a large screen. (Supplied)

Joining Ochsner was the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, under the artistic direction of Sergey Smbatyan.

Known for their emotionally charged style and refined sound, the orchestra has built a reputation as a cultural ambassador of Armenia, regularly performing in major concert halls worldwide, including Ithra.

“The kids have seen the movie multiple times; we’ve all seen the movie multiple times. And we thought it would be nice to see it through a live orchestra,” audience member Ahmad Hassan told Arab News during the 20-minute intermission.

Hassan brought his extended family along, including his two children.

“It’s one of my favorite films,” Hassan’s nine-year old daughter Tia told Arab News. She gave the show a thumbs-up.

Her 12-year-old brother, Bakr, said he had watched the film “at least five times” — the first when he was about two or three — but was excited at this new way of appreciating the story.

“I like the show so far. It’s really good. Why? Because you get to see how the music is made instead of it just coming out of the speaker,” he said.

“After watching the show, I’d like to play the piano,” Tia added.

The concert is part of Ithra’s cinematic symphony series, which also includes an upcoming presentation of Disney’s “Frozen,” giving families the chance to relive favorite films in a whole new way.

Tickets are priced at SR200 ($53), and each of the Disney-Ithra performances will run for two days only.

 


Madinah’s summer harvest brings Abu Zuhair lemons to market

As well as commercial harvesting, many people grow Abu Zuhair lemons at home for their fragrance. (SPA)
Updated 05 July 2025
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Madinah’s summer harvest brings Abu Zuhair lemons to market

  • The harvest, which runs from June to August, overlaps with the rhutab (semi-ripe dates) season and both fruits are sold in Madinah’s central market

MADINAH: The harvesting of Abu Zuhair green lemons, one of the main citrus fruits cultivated in Madinah, is now well underway.

The lemon trees grow throughout the province, especially in places like Abyar Al-Mashi, Abyar Ali, Asira and AlUla, where they thrive in the dry conditions and clay soil, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Most lemons grown in Madinah are sold locally though some are shipped to Makkah, Riyadh and Al-Ahsa. (SPA)

The harvest, which runs from June to August, overlaps with the rhutab (semi-ripe dates) season and both fruits are sold in Madinah’s central market.

The lemons are sold in 2-25 kg batches at daily auctions that run from 5-11 a.m.

FASTFACTS

• The harvest of Abu Zuhair lemons, which runs from June to August, overlaps with the rhutab (semi-ripe dates) season.

• The lemons are sold in 2-25 kg batches at daily auctions in Madinah’s central market from 5-11 a.m

A vendor at the central market said Abu Zuhair lemons, which are smaller and greener than imported varieties, were ideal for juices and cooking, and paired well with many hot dishes and salads.

Toward the end of the harvest season, the lemons start to turn yellow and dry and are used for pickling.

The fruits are also a good source of vitamin C and support the immune system. (SPA)

Another vendor said the leaves of the lemon tree, known as nawami, could be added to tea and other cold beverages.

As well as commercial harvesting, many people grow Abu Zuhair lemons at home for their fragrance. The fruits are also a good source of vitamin C and support the immune system.

Most lemons grown in Madinah are sold locally though some are shipped to Makkah, Riyadh and Al-Ahsa. The small numbers produced mean they are never exported.

 


Registration opens for Bocuse d’Or, Pastry World Cup contests in Riyadh

Participants will undergo a process that includes technical tests, creativity evaluations and interviews. (X @MOCCulinary)
Updated 05 July 2025
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Registration opens for Bocuse d’Or, Pastry World Cup contests in Riyadh

  • The initiative extends the partnership between the commission and Sirha Food, boosting competition in the national culinary sector and helping Saudi chefs make their mark internationally

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Culinary Arts Commission has opened registration for the Bocuse d'Or championship and Pastry World Cup, both taking place during the Sirha Arabia exhibition in Riyadh in October.

The competitions will select top Saudi chefs to compete in the Middle East qualifiers, to be hosted by the Kingdom in 2026 in collaboration with Sirha Food. These in turn lead to the global finals which will take place in France at the Sirha Lyon exhibition in January 2027.

The initiative extends the partnership between the commission and Sirha Food, boosting competition in the national culinary sector and helping Saudi chefs make their mark internationally.

The competitions will discover and develop local talent, providing a platform for Saudi chefs to display their skills and highlight the diversity and creativity of the Kingdom’s cuisine.

Participants will undergo a process that includes technical tests, creativity evaluations and interviews. Finalists will receive tailored support to prepare for the international stage.

For Bocuse d’Or, dishes must exhibit mastery of either the turned vegetable or brunoise technique. Candidates must be Saudi, aged 23 or over and provide proof of identity.

For the Pastry World Cup, entries must creatively reflect the theme of “Elevating Saudi Dessert.” There is no age restriction, but non-Saudi applicants must state how long they have worked in the Kingdom.

Hopeful chefs can register at engage.moc.gov.sa/reg_forms/tracks/40/?lang=ar.

 


Mayor of Riyadh attends Rwanda national day celebration

Updated 05 July 2025
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Mayor of Riyadh attends Rwanda national day celebration

  • Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki recently met Pakistani federal secretary of the Ministry of Interior and Drug Control, Mohammed Khurram Agha

RIYADH: Riyadh Mayor Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf attended the National Day celebration held by the Embassy of Rwanda at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The mayor was received by Rwandan Ambassador to the Kingdom Eugene Segore Kayihura and other officials.

Separately, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki recently met Pakistani federal secretary of the Ministry of Interior and Drug Control, Mohammed Khurram Agha. The pair discussed topics of common interest, the ambassador wrote on X.

 


Diriyah supports local creativity, national brands

The event is open from 8.30 p.m. until midnight and aims to support creativity and national products. (SPA)
Updated 05 July 2025
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Diriyah supports local creativity, national brands

  • The initiative supports creative industries by connecting the public with local entrepreneurs and innovators, boosting the cultural economy and encouraging artistic and craft production

RIYADH: A daily event featuring Saudi brand stores and promoting local art, accessories and modern designs is taking place in Diriyah’s JAX District.

The event, which began on Wednesday and runs until July 8, is open from 8.30 p.m. until midnight and aims to support creativity and national products.

The event is open from 8.30 p.m. until midnight and aims to support creativity and national products. (SPA)

Brands taking part are presenting a range of innovative pieces that blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The initiative supports creative industries by connecting the public with local entrepreneurs and innovators, boosting the cultural economy and encouraging artistic and craft production.