RIYADH: Ramadan has officially arrived, and families are pulling out all stops as they enjoy games and traditions that have become almost sacred as the month itself. Carrom, baloot and dominoes are among the most popular household pastimes enjoyed in the Kingdom, especially during the holy month. Families often gather around to play after watching one of the Ramadan TV shows that follow iftar. “We’re very old style; we play carrom,” said Sarah Hiddawi, 28, from Jeddah, referring to the traditional board game played using small discs of wood or plastic. The aim is to pocket all the pieces of a chosen color first in holes located on the corners of the board. “We usually sit together because it’s Ramadan, and sometimes we collect questions on Islam and ask each other to see who knows the most,” Hiddawi told Arab News. “We also play Risk and Monopoly. For me, it brings out my competitive side. I have to win.” Hiddawi said that she is thankful for Ramadan because working hours are reduced, and she can spend more time with her family, playing games and watching shows together. She often plays while Ramadan comedy shows are on in the background, bringing moments of laughter with her family. “We play card games or dominoes because my dad loved playing them when we were children,” said Wid Massoud, 26, from Jeddah. “Hide and seek, and cops and robbers are also favorites. “The shows we watch differ from one year to the next, but usually my mom and I find a show to watch and talk about,” Massoud said. “These games and activities bring us closer together. They give us the opportunity to enjoy more quality time, and also new topics to explore and bond over.” Abdulelah Batobarh, 25, enjoys playing baloot with friends. The competitive card game is played in teams of two, and the Jeddah resident and his friends spend hours at a time playing while they drink Saudi coffee, and share laughs and stories. “It’s a special month definitely. I get to see more of my friends after iftar and we go to Tarawih together, then hang out till late at night. I love it.” Occasionally Batobarh and his friends visit cafes in his hometown to watch a football match or will play the game themselves at a friend’s house, working off a heavy iftar meal after a long day of fasting. Hussain Abedi, 26, of Jeddah, described Ramadan as “the most beautiful month of the year in every aspect.” He added: “It is impossible to summarize such a blessed month in a couple of favorite activities, from the family-oriented evenings at iftar to the spiritual nights filled with prayers. I would have to say being in an environment where all your Muslim brothers and sisters are experiencing the same warm feelings is very comforting.”