The Smash Room, a popular concept that allows people to de-stress by breaking objects, has made its way to Abu Dhabi. Following the success of its first branch in Dubai, which opened in 2018, the new location in the Nahil Building on Al Rawdah Street is now in its soft opening phase, welcoming residents and visitors seeking a unique form of relaxation.
The brainchild of Hiba Balfaqih and her friend Ibrahim Abudyak, The Smash Room was born out of a desire to provide an unconventional outlet for stress and frustration. The founders recognized the need for such an experience in the UAE, where people often face hectic lifestyles and daily pressures. By allowing individuals to physically release their pent-up emotions, The Smash Room offers a safe and controlled environment for them to let loose.
Beyond the dedicated space for destruction, the Abu Dhabi branch also features a café and arcade games. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities to further unwind and have fun after their smashing session. The founders express their excitement about expanding their brand and bringing The Smash Room experience to a new audience in Abu Dhabi.
Participants in a Smash Room session are provided with upper-body padding, a helmet, and gloves to ensure safety. They can choose from a selection of weapons, including a crowbar, sledgehammer, cricket bat, or baseball bat, to release their frustrations. Breakable objects, such as plates, glasses, old TVs, and DVD players, are sourced from the scrapyard or through donations. These items serve as targets for participants to unleash their energy and aggression.
The idea for The Smash Room originated from a personal experience in Balfaqih’s life. Following the passing of her grandmother in 2017, she found herself grappling with unresolved feelings of anger and resentment. Traditional therapy methods didn’t provide the relief she sought. One day, she decided to try something unconventional. As an entrepreneur with a background in psychology, Balfaqih realized the therapeutic potential of physical release.
“I had a lot of anger and resentment,” she shared. “I went and did the traditional methods of therapy, and it just didn’t help.” Reflecting on her own experience, Balfaqih discovered that smashing objects in her backyard brought her a sense of relief. Recognizing the transformative impact this had on her, she decided to turn it into a business venture.
By combining her entrepreneurial spirit with her understanding of human psychology, Balfaqih developed The Smash Room as a space where people could break free from their emotional burdens in a safe and controlled environment. The concept has resonated with individuals seeking alternative outlets for stress relief and has gained popularity in Dubai. Now, with the opening of the Abu Dhabi branch, more people in the UAE can experience the unique and cathartic release that The Smash Room offers.
As Abu Dhabi continues to expand its entertainment offerings, The Smash Room adds a distinctive and unconventional experience to the scene. By breaking boundaries and encouraging the release of pent-up stress and frustration, The Smash Room provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for individuals to break free from their daily struggles and embrace a renewed sense of relaxation and peace.
Whether as a means of therapeutic release or simply as an unconventional way to have fun, The Smash Room in Abu Dhabi promises an experience unlike any other. With its soft opening phase underway, residents and visitors are invited to discover the exhilaration and relief that come from smashing away life’s pressures.
