Saudi Committee for Traditional Games

The Saudi Committee for Traditional Games is the entity responsible for regulating and supervising the affairs of traditional and folk games in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It aims to promote and spread the practice of these games, as well as develop this sector, including the enhancement of traditional game systems.

The committee aims to fulfill its mission by introducing, cataloging, and reviving traditional games and sports, organizing competitions, linking them to the interests of generations, and showcasing them to the new generation in a modern yet deeply traditional manner. Additionally, it seeks to promote the concept of Saudi folk games.

The committee aims to make folk games and sports prominent leisure activities in the Kingdom, preserving this heritage from extinction and celebrating it as a cultural identity worldwide to achieve its sustainability. Its vision is encapsulated in reviving folk games and sports.

Carrom: It is a game based on skill and intelligence played by two players. It relies on the accuracy of shooting and skill, played with fingers on a wooden board containing four holes, and the playing stones are distributed in two colors, white and black, with the top red hole being the highest scoring one.

Hide and Seek: It is one of the games widely spread in most provinces of the Kingdom. Players stand behind the blindfolded player. Other players, in turn, touch the blindfolded player’s hand, which is wrapped behind his back, and he has to guess which player touched him. If he guesses correctly, the role switches to the player who touched him; if not, he continues playing.

Horse Racing: It is a game played with palm tree branches (fronds). The player places a fond between his feet, then swiftly drags it while running with his companions, and the winner is the fastest. This play simulates horseback riding.

Danana: It is a game played by young people only. To play it, you need an iron rod bent to form a circle. The rod touches the wheel from the outer edge, and the player pushes it to start the race. The winner is the one who reaches the finish line.