Rediscovering Connection: How Mahjong is Building Community in Dubai
In a softly lit Dubai living room, the gentle clatter of tiles is more than just the sound of a game—it’s the sound of a growing social movement. A pastel-coloured mat adorns the table, a personalized touch for a serious yet social session of Mahjong. This scene is being replicated across the city, not as a symbol of glamour, but of genuine, screen-free connection.
The driving force behind this trend is The Mahjong Network, founded by Ria Bajaj, Ishira Kumar, and Maneka Jain Daswani. They identified a gap in Dubai’s social scene for inclusive, accessible gatherings. Bajaj recalls the inspiration struck during a visit in March, frustrated by the difficulty of finding players. “Social interactions today should not be dependent on who you know… I felt like there could be a better way,” she says.
Their solution has resonated powerfully. Launched earlier this year, the Dubai chapter now boasts hundreds of members. The focus isn’t solely on competition; it’s on community. “For us, it’s about creating a platform that’s an equaliser,” Bajaj adds. “We all interact as players and not based on who we are.”
More Than a Game: A Mental Workout and Digital Detox
The game itself is fast-paced, involving 144 acrylic tiles. Players draw and discard, aiming to build winning combinations from a 14-tile hand. But the mechanics are just the beginning. Participants are drawn to Mahjong for its profound benefits as a mental workout and a form of digital detox.
“It’s a nice way to tap out of your day, and you are committing to the three people on the board,” says Kumar. Daswani emphasizes the break from technology: “We play for 2.5 hours, and it’s screen-free.”
Players often describe the experience as meditative. It demands full presence, forcing you to react to your hand and the moves of others. This focus provides a unique therapeutic value. “It’s therapeutic and teaches players how to let go and be patient,” Daswani notes.
A Growing Trend with Deep Roots
The Mahjong wave in the UAE is undeniable. The network hosts large themed events, like a recent Diwali gathering for 64 women. For organizer Nina Lau, who grew up with the game in Hong Kong, it’s also a link to heritage. “I wanted to connect to my Chinese roots,” she says, adding that she hopes to bring the mental well-being benefits to senior centers.
This surge in interest has created a demand for coaching. Mahjong coach Neha Bali confirms a significant global uptake. “It’s a wonderful way to improve your memory and cognitive abilities, get a digital detox, and meet people,” she says. Her students, including professionals as young as 25, use the game to unwind.
Personal Stories of Focus and Friendship
For individuals, the impact is tangible. Expat Milli Raja Ahuja started playing weekly with friends. “The game has helped us stay alert and engaged,” she says. As a mother, it offers a necessary respite: “The game compels me to take a pause and focus entirely.”
Another player, Nadia Khan, highlights the engaging blend of strategy and luck. “It’s mentally and socially stimulating… that’s contributed to its popularity.”
Beyond casual play, the game is also a corporate and party fixture. Coach Rinkey Puri offers workshops and “party mahjong” experiences, reporting an “overwhelmingly positive” response. She observes, “At the table, you are not really indulging in frivolous talk,” underscoring the mindful engagement it fosters.
In a world saturated with digital distractions, this centuries-old game is being rediscovered in Dubai as a powerful tool for cognitive fitness, social bonding, and mindful presence. It offers a simple but profound recipe: a table, a set of tiles, and the chance to connect, face-to-face.
