Best games for a majlis night with friends (in person or online)

3 November 2026 · Jakoz Gaming

A good majlis night needs three things: friends, gahwa and a game everybody knows. These are the games that come out again and again across the Gulf, and how to play them together even when you're in different cities.

Baloot: the king of the majlis

Four players, two teams, and endless talk about who should have called Sun. Baloot rewards teamwork and memory, which is exactly why people love arguing about it.

Speed ♠: fast and loud

Speed is the Gulf way of playing Spades. Everyone bids how many tricks they'll take and the table finds out quickly who was too confident.

Ludo: for everyone

From kids to grandparents, everybody can play Ludo. It's perfect when the group is mixed or new players join.

Just talking

Sometimes the best part of the majlis is the conversation. A voice room lets friends in different places hang out like they're in the same room.

Playing together when you can't meet

• Open Jakoz and make a table for Baloot, Speed or Ludo.
• Share the link in your group chat.
• Turn on voice chat so the jokes still reach everyone.
• Or open a Majlis voice room for up to 8 friends with no game at all.

It's free, works in the browser on any phone, and nobody needs to download anything.