Things to do in Jeddah and Riyadh, updated October 2026

The Escape Hotel

The Escape Hotel is not a hotel to stay in: it is an escape-room experience in Saudi Arabia, founded in 2017. Your group is locked in a themed room and has 60 minutes to solve the puzzles and get out. Guides place it in Jeddah, with some describing venues in Riyadh too.

Azeddine El, illustrated portrait seen from behindBy Azeddine ElUpdated 3 min read
Original Saudi100 illustration of Jeddah
Illustration: Saudi100, original artwork, CC BY 4.0.

How a game works

Each room is a small, film-like set with its own story. You play privately with your own group (at least two players) and work together to find clues, open locks and reach the exit before the 60 minutes run out. Phones, food and high heels stay outside, and props must not be forced or broken.

Themes

  • A wizarding school full of spells and hidden passages
  • A mummy's tomb in an ancient pyramid
  • A pirate dungeon
  • A jungle adventure
  • A zombie room with live performers, the most intense of the set

The horror rooms use live actors to raise the tension, so they are not for the easily frightened.

Tips for your visit

  • Book ahead for evenings and weekends, when groups of friends and families fill the slots.
  • Pick the theme by group: choose a fantasy or adventure room for families and keep the horror rooms for adults and teenagers who enjoy a scare.
  • Arrive early: the briefing starts before the clock does.
  • Check the address: confirm the current venue and opening hours on the official channels before you go.

Other escape rooms in Saudi Arabia

  • The Maze Box, Jeddah: several rooms built around dystopian-future stories.
  • Escape, Riyadh: live-action rooms and virtual reality challenges.
  • Last Hour, Riyadh: rooms such as a pirate treasure hunt and an 80-minute interview room.
  • Ahaji, Riyadh: rooms inspired by familiar Arab characters and stories.

Where to stay

If you are planning a weekend around an escape game, compare hotels in Jeddah by area, or hotels in Riyadh. For more ideas, see our list of 100 things to do in Saudi Arabia.

Official sources

Check visas, transport and pilgrimage rules on the official sites before you travel:

Frequently asked questions

Is The Escape Hotel a real hotel?

No. Despite its name, The Escape Hotel is an escape-room attraction: you book a 60-minute game, not a room for the night.

Where is The Escape Hotel?

Guides place it in Jeddah, and some describe venues in both Jeddah and Riyadh. Check its official channels for the current address before you go.

How long does a game last?

Each game lasts 60 minutes. Games are private for your own group, with a minimum of two players.

Is The Escape Hotel suitable for children?

Some rooms, especially the zombie and horror rooms with live actors, are intense. Families should pick a lighter theme and check the age rules when booking.