UAE-based start-up The Smash Room eyes 40 franchises across GCC, India

UAE-based start-up The Smash Room eyes 40 franchises across GCC, India

The Smash Room, a UAE-based start-up based on the rage room concept, is eyeing 40 franchises across the GCC and India before 2030 under a brand umbrella that will be valued at 100 million dirhams ($27.2 million).

The company, which recently opened its second outlet in the UAE in Abu Dhabi, also hopes to have six locations across the country in the same period, including one in Sharjah.

“We are looking at the possibility of 15 franchises, and even some partnerships, in Saudi Arabia in and an equal number of franchises in Indian metro cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad,” CEO and co-founder Ibrahim Abudyak told Zawya.

While Saudi Arabia is one of the biggest markets for Abudyak, with Riyadh and Jeddah emerging as top contenders, he is also keen on taking the brand to Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar in the future.

The rage room concept, which first emerged in Japan in 2008, involves people smashing things up – mostly electronics - in an enclosed environment. While it is considered a form of entertainment as well, Abudyak says the concept also serves as therapeutic outlet for people living and working in high-stressed environments.

Founded five years ago with its first location in Al