Today's Edition
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
The UAE has no dearth of traditional games that offer a joyful avenue and an enriching childhood experience for generations. Here is a brief look into the courtyards that come alive with sounds of joy and laughter.
TeelaA very popular Emirati traditional game among boys, the Teela combines skill and cooperation, and most importantly instills the values of sportsmanship and team spirit in children.
Teela refers to a small glass ball similar to a marble. Played in groups in an open courtyard, the players vie to knock out their opponents' marbles.
The first player positions himself on the line and throws the teela, followed by the other player. The player whose teela fell far away, throws the marble to the nearest hole, if it lands inside, he then tries to hit his opponent's teela, and if successful takes the opponent's marble.
The first player stands on the line and throws the teela. Then another player stands on the line and throws his teela. If his opponent's teela is far away, he throws his ball to the nearest hole. If it lands inside, he then tries to hit his opponent's teela, and if successful takes his opponent's marble.
Al Dasis
Similar to hide-and-seek, Al Dasis involves 5 to 10 children and is very popular among girls. One player is designated as "Al-Mudsas" or "the deceiver" who tries to turn around other players without turning themselves. This is done by chanting songs. The objective is for other players to try to get the attention of "Al-Mudsas". If successful, the player shouts "Dasis!" and becomes "Al-Mudsas" in the next round.
Al Dawama
Al Dawama, or a spinning top game, is another traditional pastime popular among children in the UAE and many Arab countries. Each player holds the cone-shaped wooden piece, spins it and releases it to the ground, where it spins rapidly. The children compete to make their top spin for the longest possible time.
