Short answer: for a backgammon board that lasts and looks beautiful on display, choose solid wood with hand-set mother-of-pearl or wood mosaic inlay, a strong hinge and lock, and smooth, weighted checkers. A handmade 2-in-1 backgammon and chess set costs around AED 2,750–6,500 in the UAE. Below we explain what to look for, the main styles, and how to choose one as a gift.
Backgammon, tawla, tawlet zahr: the same game
Backgammon is one of the oldest board games in the world. In the Levant and the Gulf it is called tawla or tawlet zahr (طاولة زهر, "the dice table"), and in Persian nard. In homes and cafés across the Middle East, a beautiful board is part of the majlis, brought out for guests, at Ramadan evenings and family gatherings.
What makes a good board
- Solid wood case: heavier, steadier and longer-lasting than MDF or plastic. Tap it: solid wood sounds full, not hollow.
- Genuine inlay: mother-of-pearl that changes colour as you tilt it, or a fine wood mosaic. See our real vs fake guide.
- Smooth playing surface: the points (triangles) should be level with the surface so checkers slide without catching.
- Good hardware: hinges that close flat and a clasp that keeps the board shut when carried.
- Checkers and dice: weighted checkers that sit flat and are easy to stack.
The main styles
| Style | Why choose it | ZW example |
|---|---|---|
| Backgammon only | Pure tawla board, for players who want just the game | Adon – AED 4,195 |
| Backgammon and chess (2-in-1) | Chess board on the outside, backgammon inside; best value and most popular as a gift | Shinar – AED 2,750, Marash – AED 3,890, Elath – AED 3,895 |
| Statement display sets | Dense mother-of-pearl inlay for display on a coffee table or console | Byblos – AED 5,495, Seraphi – AED 6,395, Malka – AED 6,495 |
See all sets in Backgammon Sets and Mosaic Boxes.
Mother-of-pearl or wood mosaic?
- Mother-of-pearl: shimmering, luxurious, ideal for display and for gifts. Each piece of shell is set by hand.
- Wood mosaic: tiny pieces of contrasting wood in geometric patterns. Warmer and more understated, and very hard-wearing for daily play.
- Combined: many Damascene boards mix both, with shell highlights inside a wood-mosaic pattern.
Choosing a backgammon set as a gift
- For a host or family: a 2-in-1 set lives on the majlis table and is used by everyone.
- For a collector or a special occasion: choose a display set with dense inlay.
- For corporate gifts: we can supply several sets for teams and clients. See corporate gifts in bulk.
- For Ramadan and Eid: order early. Our Ramadan and Eid gift guide has dates and ideas.
Caring for your board
Dust with a soft dry cloth, keep it out of direct sun, close it when not in use, and never clean it with vinegar or glass cleaner. More in our mother-of-pearl care guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is tawlet zahr?
It is the Arabic name for backgammon: tawla means table or board and zahr means dice.
How much does a mother-of-pearl backgammon board cost?
At ZW, handmade sets cost AED 2,750–6,495 depending on size and the amount of inlay.
Is it a backgammon and chess set in one?
Most of our sets are 2-in-1: chess on the outside, backgammon inside. The Adon set is backgammon only.
Do you deliver backgammon sets across the UAE and GCC?
Yes. Delivery is free within the UAE (1–4 days); GCC and MENA shipping (1–2 weeks) is shown at checkout.
Can I order a personalised board?
Custom sizes, patterns or a name or logo can be discussed for larger orders. Contact us with your idea.
