How to make new friends online in the Gulf (safely)

6 November 2026 · Jakoz Gaming

Making friends as an adult is hard, and in the Gulf it can be harder: many people are new to the city, work long hours, or live far from family. Games are one of the easiest ways to meet people, because you already have something to do and talk about. Here is how to turn a few games into real friendships.

1. Start with a game, not a conversation

Talking to strangers is awkward. Playing Baloot, Jakaro or Ludo with them is not. The game gives you something to react to (“that was a great move!”) and the conversation follows. Use quick match to sit with new people in under a minute.

2. Turn on voice when it feels right

Text chat is fine for a first game. When the table is friendly, tap the mic. Hearing someone laugh at a lucky roll does more for a friendship than a hundred emojis. You can mute anyone, or yourself, at any time.

3. Add the people you enjoy

After a good game, tap the player’s picture and add them as a friend. Next time you open the app you will see when they are online and can invite them with one tap.

4. Meet again in a Majlis

Friendships grow when you meet regularly. Open a Majlis, a voice room for up to 8 people with no game needed, and invite your new friends on a fixed evening each week. Some groups play, some just talk over tea.

5. Find people near you

The optional People nearby feature shows players within about 2 km. It is off until you switch it on and never shows your exact location, so you can find neighbours who play the same games.

Stay safe

• Keep personal details (phone number, address, work) private until you really know someone.
• Use Mute, Block and Report whenever someone makes you uncomfortable. Reports are reviewed by the Jakoz team.
• Rude words are hidden automatically, and voice is never recorded.
• Jakoz is for players aged 13 and over.

Ready to meet people? Open Jakoz, pick a game and say hello.

Frequently asked questions