Majlis Meets Maze: Why Saudis Are Turning to Live Escape Games for Thrills
In Saudi Arabia, the majlis has always been a sacred space for laughter, storytelling, and bonding. But today, a new kind of gathering is taking shape—inside a maze of shadows, smoke, and screams.
The Evolution of Saudi Social Gatherings
The traditional majlis—those comfortable sitting rooms with plush cushions arranged along the walls—has been the cornerstone of Saudi social life for centuries. It’s where generations have gathered to share news, debate issues, and strengthen community bonds over Arabic coffee and dates. But as the Kingdom undergoes its rapid transformation under Vision 2030, even this sacred social institution is experiencing an adrenaline-fueled reimagining.
Escape.sa is at the forefront of this cultural shift, redefining what it means to socialize in modern Saudi Arabia. Cousins once content with coffee and cards are now cracking cryptic codes under pressure. Friends used to group dinners are navigating winding corridors, ducking beneath traps, and racing against the clock in elaborately themed rooms designed to challenge and thrill.
The Psychology Behind the Shift
What’s driving this transition from relaxed majlis gatherings to heart-pounding escape room adventures? Psychologists point to several factors unique to Saudi Arabia’s rapidly changing social landscape:
“Shared stress creates stronger bonds than shared relaxation,” explains Dr. Noor Al-Qahtani, a social psychologist at King Saud University. “When Saudis solve problems together under time pressure, they’re not just having fun—they’re creating memories with emotional intensity that traditional gatherings can’t match.”
For young Saudis especially, the appeal lies in breaking routine. “We’ve sat in the same majlis configuration our whole lives,” says Fahad Al-Otaibi, a 26-year-old escape room enthusiast. “There’s something liberating about being locked in a room with your closest friends, where status and family connections don’t matter—only your collective ability to solve puzzles.”
A New Kind of Team Building
Corporate Saudi Arabia has noticed the trend as well. Companies increasingly book entire facilities at Escape.sa locations for team-building exercises, replacing stuffy conference room activities with immersive challenges that reveal leadership qualities and communication styles.
“We learned more about each other in one hour in the ‘Abandoned Laboratory’ scenario than in a year of office meetings,” admits Layla Al-Zahrani, marketing director at a major Riyadh-based company. “You really see who keeps their cool under pressure, who thinks outside the box, and who brings the team together.”
Preserving Tradition Through Innovation
Perhaps most interesting is how escape rooms aren’t replacing the majlis tradition but rather extending it. Many groups follow their escape adventures with traditional majlis gatherings, where the excitement of their recent escape becomes the evening’s dominant story.
“After we finally escaped ‘The Haunted Palace’ scenario, we went straight to my uncle’s majlis,” recounts Noura Al-Saud, a university student from Jeddah. “We spent hours recounting every puzzle and scare to everyone there. The older family members who’ve never tried an escape room were fascinated. Three of them booked their own session the next day!”
The Business of Thrills
The economic impact is substantial. Escape.sa now operates in eight Saudi cities, with waiting lists often extending weeks for premium scenarios. Their most popular experiences—”Desert Excavation,” “Palace Intrigue,” and “Oil Field Mystery”—incorporate elements of Saudi history and culture alongside universal thriller components.
“We’re not just importing a Western concept,” insists Abdullah Al-Qassim, founder of Escape.sa. “We’re creating uniquely Saudi experiences that honor our heritage while delivering the excitement that modern Saudis crave. Each room tells a story connected to our Kingdom.”
Why Thrill is the New Togetherness
The essence of this cultural shift is simple: thrill is the new togetherness. The shared panic. The tension. The final high-five at the exit (if they make it out). It’s adrenaline, not tea, that’s now uniting circles of friends across the Kingdom.
Whether it’s teenagers from Jeddah or uncles from Riyadh—Escape.sa has become the new majlis. Just with fewer cushions… and a lot more screaming.
In a nation balancing rapid modernization with deep cultural roots, escape rooms represent the perfect marriage of traditional social values and contemporary entertainment. They provide the communal experience that Saudis have always cherished, just with an extra dose of heart-pounding excitement.
As one satisfied customer put it: “My grandfather’s majlis taught me the importance of facing challenges together. Escape.sa just adds zombies and ticking bombs to the equation.”