Ancient traditions renewed in the winter of Darb Zubaidah

The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Baloot Championship 2024 got underway on February 23 and runs through March 4, as part of the activities of the Darb Zubaidah Winter Festival held at the historic village of Lina. Set up in an events tent at the Lina playing fields, the championship features the participation of 500 players representing 250 teams, with the festival running for 10 days in total.

The authority explained that the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Baloot Championship 2024 is held under specific conditions, with the first-place team awarded 20,000 riyals, the second-place team 10,000 riyals, and the third-place team 5,000 riyals.

The roots of baloot and its heritage

Baloot, a card game whose roots go back more than 700 years, enjoys wide popularity across the Arabian Gulf region, with historical origins tracing back to the French game of Belote. Over the years, the game has evolved to become an integral part of social and cultural gatherings in the Kingdom, with its own rules and traditions that reflect Saudi cultural identity.

The Baloot championship launched at the historic village of Lina, at the site of Lina Public Park, under the patronage of the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Development Authority. The championship stands as a fine example of how Saudi Arabia celebrates its cultural heritage, offering incentive cash prizes to winners that underscore the cultural and entertainment value of the event.

The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Baloot Championship is more than just a competition, it is a celebration of heritage and cultural identity. By promoting traditional games and integrating them into contemporary cultural events, the championship helps revive folk games and pass them on to new generations, strengthening awareness of the rich cultural heritage of the Kingdom.