Wednesday 08 / January / 2025
Muscat: Bita Charoosi, manager of Escape Room, located in Al Khoud, talks to Times of Oman about the concept behind creating escape rooms as a new form of entertainment in the Middle East.
Q: What inspired you to create a horror-themed escape room, especially in the Middle East?
A: I’ve always been fascinated by the thrill of horror and the suspense it brings. In the Middle East, particularly in Oman, escape rooms are still a relatively new form of entertainment, and I wanted to bring something unique and memorable to the region. The idea of mixing the adrenaline of a haunted house with the intellectual challenge of puzzles felt like a perfect combination to provide a new, immersive experience for players. Horror taps into universal fears, making the experience deeply engaging.
Q: What were some of the biggest challenges in bringing the largest escape room in Oman to life?
The biggest challenge was introducing the concept of a horror escape room with live actors to a market that wasn’t yet familiar with this type of entertainment. We had to make sure people understood the experience and felt intrigued rather than intimidated. Additionally, designing puzzles that are culturally appropriate while still delivering a thrilling experience took careful planning.
Q: What makes your horror escape room unique compared to others in the region?
Our escape room stands out because it’s not just a series of puzzles — it’s a fully immersive theatrical experience. The integration of professional live actors adds unpredictability and realism that you can’t get from traditional escape rooms. We ensure every detail, from sound design to lighting, contributes to the eerie atmosphere, making it a uniquely chilling experience.
Q: Why did you decide to include live actors in your escape room, and how do they enhance the experience?
Live actors add a level of realism and unpredictability that static props or automated effects can’t achieve. They create a dynamic experience by interacting with players, adjusting their performance based on reactions, and making the environment feel alive. This keeps players on edge and heightens the emotional stakes, making the horror feel more immediate and personal. It transforms the escape room into a blend of interactive theatre and puzzle-solving, which makes the experience unforgettable.
Q: How did you incorporate cultural elements into the escape room while maintaining its horror theme?
We drew inspiration from regional folklore, legends, and traditional ghost stories to ensure the horror theme resonates with local players. Elements like ancient superstitions, jinn, and traditional haunted house settings were woven into the storyline. By incorporating cultural symbols and Arabic language elements into the puzzles and atmosphere, we created an experience that feels authentic and connected to local traditions while still delivering the suspense and fear that players expect from a horror escape room.
Q: How do you ensure the safety of players and staff during such immersive experiences?
Safety is our top priority. Before each session, players receive a detailed safety briefing. our staff monitors the experience via cameras to intervene if necessary. The live actors are professionally trained to maintain boundaries and ensure their interactions are safe while still being scary. We also make sure the props and set pieces are secure.
Q: What steps do you take to keep the escape room experience fresh and engaging for returning players?
We regularly update our puzzles, themes, and storylines to keep the experience exciting for repeat visitors. Our live actors are trained to vary their interactions and scare tactics, making each visit feel different. Feedback from players helps us understand what works well and where we can innovate further to keep the experience dynamic.
Q: Do you have plans for expanding your escape room or introducing new themes?
Yes, we are constantly brainstorming ways to expand! We plan to introduce new rooms with different horror themes, incorporating various levels of intensity to cater to both thrill-seekers and those who prefer a milder scare. we want to offer a range of unique, immersive adventures that continue to push the boundaries of escape room entertainment
