As families and friends gather after sunset during Ramadan, social traditions often revolve around conversation, reflection and shared activities. In the UAE, tabletop games have long been part of these nightly gatherings. This year, a new initiative aims to bring a modern twist to that tradition.
Global e-commerce giant Amazon has collaborated with Emirati entrepreneur and podcast host Anas Bukhash to launch a limited-edition Ramadan card game designed to encourage thoughtful discussions among players.
The game, titled “After Sunset,” draws inspiration from Bukhash’s popular interview platform #ABtalks and focuses on questions that encourage personal reflection, storytelling and deeper connections among participants.
A Ramadan Game Built Around Conversations
The After Sunset card game is structured around prompts and mindful challenges that invite players to share personal experiences and perspectives. Designed for groups of two to eight players, the game is suitable for family gatherings as well as social evenings with friends during Ramadan.
Players draw cards containing conversation starters or reflective prompts. These questions are designed to spark thoughtful dialogue rather than competition.
“There is something beautiful about watching families and friends gather during Ramadan,” Bukhash said in remarks reported by The National. “After Sunset was created for those moments, to bring people closer through conversations that encourage warmth and presence.”
He added that the questions were intentionally designed to resonate across generations.
Supporting Young Artists from Rashid Centre
A unique feature of the game is its visual design. The illustrations on the question cards were created by students from the Rashid Centre for People of Determination in Dubai.
Five young artists from the centre contributed artwork for the project:
- Mohammed Sarwani
- Inaya Shaik
- Pranav Menon
- Abdul Azez
- Rouda Sultan El Suwaidi
The collaboration allowed students from the centre to showcase their creativity to a wider audience while contributing to a commercially available product.
According to Mariam Othman, director of the Rashid Centre, the partnership highlights the power of creative inclusion.
A Growing Ramadan Tradition
Tabletop games have become a familiar part of Ramadan evenings across the Middle East. After Iftar meals, families and friends often spend time together playing traditional games that encourage social interaction.
Popular choices include:
- Backgammon
- Carrom (locally called “kairam”)
- Dama
- Card games such as spades and hand
These games are typically played late into the night as people gather for Suhoor or continue socializing after prayers.
The After Sunset card game aims to complement these traditions by focusing specifically on conversation and shared experiences rather than competition.
Blending Culture, Creativity and Community
The collaboration between Amazon UAE, Anas Bukhash and the Rashid Centre reflects a broader trend in the region toward projects that combine entertainment, cultural expression and community impact.
By incorporating artwork created by young artists and encouraging thoughtful discussions, the game seeks to create a social experience that aligns with the reflective spirit of Ramadan.
The card game is currently available for purchase through Amazon UAE, making it accessible to households across the country during the holy month.
As Ramadan continues to evolve with new traditions and social experiences, initiatives like After Sunset highlight how storytelling, creativity and shared conversations remain at the heart of the season.
Daniel Carter covers UAE startups, venture capital, and AI innovation, delivering strategic, investigative reporting on emerging technology ecosystems.
