Racks Board Game Cafe, founded by Ali Al Bastaki, Majid Al Bastaki and Mohamed Al Bastaki, is evolving from a board game venue into a platform for connection, creativity and Sharjah-inspired experiences, according to a profile by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa).
The founders built Racks around the idea that board games can help strangers interact, start conversations and form relationships. The café curates games for different group sizes and experience levels, including first-time players.
Its work with Sheraa began through the Sheraa AUS Hub and continued through the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF). With Sheraa’s support in business modelling, product design, supplier connections and testing, Racks developed Sharjah: The Board Game, an experience inspired by Sharjah’s Central Souq in 1978. It was introduced at SEF 2024.
At SEF 2026, Racks presented the D.R.E.A.M. Lab, which combined talks, discussions and games to encourage visitors to explore ambitions and exchange ideas.
The founders say their definition of success has expanded beyond revenue and growth to include the community forming around the café. Racks now aims to create spaces and experiences that help people connect while staying rooted in its original purpose.
Source: LinkedIn
