Escape from daily stresses in UAE-devised game

Escape Quest allows teams of up to five people to work together to work out clues in the quickest possible time to free themselves from the room they are locked in.

Briton Amanda Simpson, 25, left, and American Angela Mao, 28, try to find more clues to solve the puzzle and break out of the room in Escape Quest, in Dubai. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

DUBAI // It is difficult to find an activity that takes you back to your childhood, to a time when they did not have to worry about work stress or never-ending bills.

But the newly opened Escape Quest challenge in Dubai’s Jumeirah Lakes Towers may just fit the bill.

The game, which was devised in the UAE, allows teams of up to five people to solve a series of puzzles that lead them to unlock the door of an African-themed room in which they are locked.

A team can play against the clock or compete against another group of people locked in an identical room. They must complete the quest in the shortest time possible with the fewest clues.

Nancy Jaber, 29, could not hide her excitement before starting the challenge.

“It reminded me of when I was a kid,” Ms Jaber said.

“Growing up in the ’90s, technology and videogames had not yet completely taken over our childhood, which involved a lot of teamwork, board games, and physical movement. It was nice to relive that experience as an adult.

“We don’t have those opportunities as much now.”

Ms Jaber said that although the game was very challenging, at no point did she get frustrated.

“Once you uncover a clue or decode something, you realise that the answer was almost right under your nose, making it that much more exciting to complete the challenge,” she said.

Omar Moussa, 25, said he was pleasantly surprised at how much he enjoyed Escape Quest, as he initially did not want to go.

“My friend practically dragged me to go with her to the game after work, which is when I either like to relax at home or chill with my friends at a nearby restaurant,” Mr Moussa said.

“To my surprise, I ended up enjoying the game and was probably the most excited out of the group running around in the room.

“The game was a great way to unwind. The best part was for that one hour, you are not thinking of work or anything else except the clues and hints to get out of the room.”

Rob Jones, 29, did not know what to expect before he started the game, having heard about such challenges only a month ago.

“There were four of us and we didn’t know whether it was going to be dark or claustrophobic, we had no expectations,” he said, adding that the hour in the room was the fastest he has ever experienced.

“It’s like being a kid again. We were looking everywhere to find clues to piece things together and get out.”

To Elly Reilly, 26, the escape challenge was an opportunity to bring together her family for a fun activity.

“My family was over visiting and I have been keen to do it for a few weeks, so I thought it would be good family bonding, and it really was,” she said.

“I am surprised that there were no family arguments because the age range was 13 to 53, but we nearly completed it in the time. I’m gutted we didn’t.

“Puzzles and challenges are something that my family all come together over.

“We are all competitive, quite clever and love a challenge and a laugh. I think this was perfect family fun.”

Dubai resident Zoe Masey created the Escape Quest challenge out of her love for puzzles and problems that stretch lateral thinking.

“I first discovered live escape games on holiday in Budapest, where there are over 100 games,” Ms Masey said. “I really enjoyed the escape experience because it was totally unique and mentally challenging.

“I started thinking that it would be great for Dubai, giving people the same challenging but fun experience that I loved.

“Live escape games are a form of entertainment that is not only social and interactive, but also really makes your brain work and gets you thinking.

“You can’t Google the answer. You need to really think and concentrate and it’s a great way to forget everything else that is going on.”

Escape Quest is open seven days a week from 10am to 11pm, and prices range from Dh90 to Dh120 a person, depending on the size of the group.