About Waraq

The History of Arab Card Games

Card games have been a cornerstone of social life across the Arab world for centuries. From French Belote arriving at Arabian ports to become Baloot, to Tarneeb evolving in the coffee houses of the Levant, these games carry rich cultural heritage. Traders and travelers brought European card games to the region, where they were adapted, renamed, and made distinctly Arab.

Today, games like Baloot, Tarneeb, Trix, and Hand are played daily by millions across Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and the wider Gulf region. They transcend age and social class, bringing people together for hours of competition and camaraderie.

Cultural Significance

In Saudi Arabia, Baloot occupies a unique place in social life. It is played in homes, coffee shops, university dormitories, and dedicated game lounges across the country. The Saudi Baloot Championship attracts thousands of participants and large audiences, elevating the game to a competitive discipline.

Across the Levant, Tarneeb and Trix are staples of family gatherings and social clubs. In Egypt, Hand is a beloved rummy variant. Each country has its own favorites, but the spirit of gathering around cards is universal across Arab culture.

Our Mission

Waraq exists to preserve and celebrate the rich tradition of card games in Arab culture. We believe these games should be accessible to everyone, everywhere — free, in your browser, in your language. Whether you're a seasoned player or discovering these games for the first time, Waraq is your table.

Why We Built Waraq

Despite the immense popularity of Arabic card games, finding simple, free, browser-based versions has always been difficult. Most existing options require downloads, accounts, or are cluttered with ads and paywalls. We believe everyone should be able to sit down and play without friction.

Waraq was built with a clear mission: make Arabic card games accessible to everyone, everywhere. No signup required. No app to download. Just open your browser and play.

All games run entirely in your browser with AI opponents, so you can practice anytime. We built everything with Arabic and English support to serve both the local community and the global audience curious about these remarkable games.