Haunted hotels, smash rooms and scary movies: Halloween 2018 in the UAE

From watching horror film Jigsaw to walking through a maze inspired by the original movie, here's a bunch of scary activities you can seek out

The Smash Room will have a special Halloween-themed experience. Courtesy The Smash Room

Halloween is on October 31, and many venues in the UAE are pulling out all stops to spook you out. From visiting the first-ever Saw Maze at Motiongate Dubai (if you're brave enough) to obliterating your fears at The Smash Room, here's a round up of things to do in the next couple of weeks.

Saw Maze at Motiongate Dubai

The Saw Maze has made its debut in the UAE. Those who enjoy a good scare can put their courage to the test by completing the 11-room walk-through that was inspired by scenes from the horror film franchise Saw. In addition to the maze, there will also be two scare zones in Lionsgate and Columbia, where guests can meet their favourite zombies or monsters in person.

The Saw Maze runs on weekends, from October 18 to November 3. Guests must be 16 years or older, or 14 with an accompanying adult. On Fright night, park hours will be extended until 11pm. Tickets are Dh175 for UAE residents or Dh245 for non-residents, inclusive of entry to the Saw Maze and scare zones.

Haunted hotel at Dubai Parks and Resort

The Polynesian-themed Lapita resort will be taken over by ghosts and ghouls this Halloween. One of the nine blocks on the 5-star property will be transformed into a haunted hotel, complete with creepy decorations, and featuring Legoland Dubai and Hotel Transylvania characters and elements on the ground and first floors. Themed accessories will also be sprinkled in the rooms, and staff members dressed in scary costumes will roam the corridors, staying in character throughout. Children can go trick-or-treating in the theme parks with candy baskets provided by Lapita.

The Haunted Quarters package is Dh1,189 for two people, and includes in-room breakfast and access to the theme parks and one water park at Dubai Parks and Resorts. Call 04 449 0868. 

Smashing Halloween experience at The Smash Room

The Smash Room in Al Quoz will turn into a house of horrors and give participants a chance to destroy their fears, literally. Walk through a scare maze before picking out a weapon, and then smash your way out of the room. Protective wear such as helmets with face guards, glove and chest gear will be provided. Just remember to wear close-toed shoes.

The Halloween package is for Dh99 with 10 per cent off if you come in a costume. Children under 12 are not allowed. It runs from October 25 to November 3, from 11am to 10pm on weekdays and 11am to 10.30pm on weekends.

Halloween-themed countdown 

Courtesy Countdown Challenge

Head to the Countdown Challenge in JBR to enjoy an escape-room experience that will have players on their toes throughout. Two out of five themes are ideal for Halloween-inspired thrills: the Escape Plan and The Basement challenge will see participants lost in a series of rooms with murderous strangers on the loose, threatening to close in as time winds down. Players will have to face their fears, as they have 60 minutes to figure out a way to get to freedom.

The Countdown Challenge is at Bahar Plaza, The Walk, JBR; from 3pm to midnight. Children between 6 and 12 need to come with a participating adult, while those from 13 to 16 require a signed waiver from an adult. Prices start from Dh100 for Escape Plan and Dh130 for The Basement. To book, go to www.countdowndxb.com or call 04 427 4027.

Scare factor at TEPFactor Dubai

TEPfactor Dubai will have a special Halloween-themed adventure for teams of between two and six people. The 21 challenges will combine mental, physical, logical and team working skills, although you never know who or what is waiting around the next corner in the cave-like structure. There is no time limit, so teams can work at their own pace, and try or retry challenges as many times as they’d like. Prizes will be awarded for the scariest costumes and creepiest team names.

The challenge runs from October 28 to November 3, from 10am to midnight on weekdays, and 10am to 1am on weekends. Price start from Dh80 per person. Children between 8 and 12 require an adult on the team.

The Hollywood Horror Show on the QE2

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind evening brunch on board the Queen Elizabeth 2 along with an immersive dance show, live singing and acrobats featuring the best of Hollywood's horror scenes – including tributes to Michael Jackson's Thriller, Beetlejuice, The Addams Family, Ghostbusters and more. Visitors are expected to come in fancy-dress costume and can select from three seating options.

The Hollywood Horror Show is on November 1 and 2, from 9pm to midnight. Prices start from Dh495. Guests must be 21 or older. To make a reservation, email [e-mail], visit www.qe2.com/dining or call 04 526 8888. 

Tricks and treats galore at Museum of Illusions

Museum of Illusions

Dubai’s newest Instagram haven will be given a makeover featuring new Halloween-theme illusions and spooky exhibits. From an upside-down room (which makes you look like you’re standing on the ceiling) to a colours room that projects a rainbow aura surrounding your shadow, there’s plenty of snaps to be taken. Just make sure to check for scary props lurking about.

The Halloween-themed makeover will be from October 28 to November 3. Tickets start from Dh80 per adult and Dh60 for kids. The museum is open from 10am to 10pm on Sunday to Wednesday, and 10am to midnight from Thursday to Saturday.

Neorun at Yas Marina Circuit

Courtesy Neorun

A mix of fitness and fun, Neorun allows you to dress up in creepy or fun costumes and “glo crazy” along a 3-kilometre route while covered in neon paint. Participants can run or walk their way past spooky zones and demon dolls. There will also be numerous glo-zones along the course, and runners can take part in an Enigma Party after they cross the finish line, and dance the night away.

The Neorun is at Yas Marina Circuit on November 2 at 5pm. Tickets start from Dh200. Visit www.neorun.com/halloween

Halloween Horror Fest at Reel Cinemas Rove Downtown

For those who enjoy a good scary flick, Reel Cinemas Rove Downtown will be hosting a horror-movie marathon. Films include recent releases Halloween, Jigsaw, The Nun, A Quiet Place and The Bye Bye Man. For those who may have missed these films on the big screen, here's another chance to watch them the right way. Priced from Dh45 per person, the event will have Halloween-themed food and decorations, too.

The Halloween Horror Fest runs from October 25 to 31. Showtimes start between 4pm and 5.30 and run until 10.50pm. For the film schedule, click here. 

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