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RIYADH: As Ramadan enters its final 10 nights – Qiyam Al-Layl – several of Saudi Arabia’s regions experienced moderate to heavy rain on Thursday, including the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

Al-Jami’ah district in Jeddah city recorded the highest levels with 24.8mm of rain.

The National Center for Meteorology has forecast this to continue until Sunday. Parts of Makkah, Al-Baha, Aseer, Jazan and Najran, in addition to parts of Qassim, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, can expect gusty winds, moderate to heavy rain, and hailstorms. There will be dust-stirring winds in Madinah, Tabuk, Al-Jouf and the Northern Borders region,

The rain in Makkah came as a blessing for Umrah pilgrims, giving them some respite from hot weather.

Faiz Al-Najdi, a Yanbu resident, told Arab News: “It was pleasant weather in Makkah, I performed Umrah with family with ease and even performed Friday prayer in the open courtyard at the grand mosque. I feel blessed to perform my religious duty and enjoy good weather.”

Meanwhile, the General Directorate of Civil Defense has called for caution and the need to remain in safe areas, avoiding areas prone to flooding and low-lying valleys. It warned people to refrain from swimming in them and urged adherence to any instructions announced by local authorities via various media outlets and social media platforms.

Text messages sent to residents in Riyadh said: “Forecasts from the NCM indicate that moderate to heavy rains will fall on the Riyadh region (Riyadh, Diriyah, Dhurma, Al-Muzahmiyya, Rimah, Al-Kharj, Al-Dilam, Al-Hariq, Hawtah Bani Tamim). Rain conditions predicted from Wednesday to Saturday, corresponding to March 19 to 22, 2025.”

It also warned of flash floods and high waves on the coasts, as well as hailstorms in the highlands.

Winds over the Red Sea will be northwesterly to northerly, reaching 25-50 km per hour in northern and central parts, and northeasterly to southeasterly, reaching 15-45 km per hour in the south.

Waves might range from 1.5 meters to more than 2 meters and the sea is likely to be choppy.

In the Arabian Gulf, winds will be easterly to southeasterly at speeds of 12-40 km per hour. Waves may range from half a meter to more than 2 meters and the sea will be calm to choppy.

RIYADH: Ramadan, a time of gathering and reflection, has long featured games that build community and create a vibrant atmosphere.

From strategic board games to fast-paced team sports, these traditional activities were once a staple of Ramadan nights, promoting a sense of camaraderie and competition.

“In the past, Ramadan was different in terms of social gatherings,” said Hitham Abdu Sheany, an Arabic teacher at an elementary school in Jazan who grew up playing these traditional games.

“There were more family get-togethers, even for those who lived far away. We always spent Ramadan with our families, and because there were so many children around, we played a lot of games,” he said.

These games were central to Ramadan’s social life, connecting generations and preserving cultural traditions.

After Taraweeh prayers, children and adults alike would take part in a variety of games. One of the most popular was farfirah, known commonly as foosball, which saw players compete in fast-paced matches, using rods to control miniature figures and score goals.

“We played farfirah until a team won,” Sheany recalled. “Then, we would all have dinner before heading to the recreation center, where Ramadan tournaments were held. In the past, everyone attended these tournaments, from children to the elderly.”

Another favorite was carrom, a game of precision and strategy played on a wooden board. Using finger flicks to send colored discs into the corner pockets, players needed skill and patience to outmaneuver their opponents.

Games such as dominos and baloot, a trick-taking card game, were also popular pastimes that encouraged strategic thinking and friendly competition.

Outdoor sports played a significant role in Ramadan traditions as well. Volleyball was particularly beloved, with neighborhood tournaments taking place after Fajr prayers.

“Every neighborhood had a volleyball game going on,” Sheany said.

“Even in some homes, people would set up nets and play together,” he added.

These games not only provided entertainment but also reinforced bonds between neighbors and friends.

According to Sheany, traditional games held a special societal value. “These games strengthened connections within neighborhoods,” he said. “We played honestly and with true competition, making friends in the process.”

He said that while modern entertainment, including electronic games and social media, has changed how people interact, there were still those who appreciated the charm of these traditional activities.

Recognizing the cultural significance of these games, the Ministry of Culture has taken steps to revive them through its Ramadan Season events.

Over the past two years, initiatives have been launched to bring back the communal spirit of Ramadan, featuring traditional games such as carrom, dominos and farfirah, alongside sporting competitions such as the Ramadan marathon and the padel championship.

These efforts aim to preserve the essence of Ramadan gatherings and introduce younger generations to the joy of traditional play.

Although times have changed, the spirit of traditional games lives on in family homes, neighborhood gatherings and organized events, continuing to be a reminder of the values of teamwork, friendly rivalry and shared joy.