QTA opens biggest amusement centre
Harley-Davidson bikers during the opening ceremony of the park yesterday. SALIM MATRAMKOT
BY RAYNALD C RIVERA
DOHA: Doha Park 2011, the largest amusement centre of the year, marked its launch yesterday to the roars of Harley bikes and vibrant Arabian folk dances and whirling dervishes.
Ahmed Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Qatar Tourism Authority and Abdulrahman Jassim Al Sulaiti, Chairman of Economic Group, cut the ribbon to officially open the fun park which is to run for at least six weeks.
As early as 6pm, hundreds of people flocked to the dozens of rides including nine new rides which have never been before in Qatar.
A total of 35 rides are found at the amusement park which is being organised by the QTA for the first time outdoors, beside the Doha Exhibition Centre. They include swing carousel, ferris wheel, caterpillar, carousel, roller-coaster, tagada, drop tower, go kart and bumper cars, among others.
"It is a brilliant idea for the QTA to have the theme park outside the Doha Exhibition Centre as more and bigger rides are now accommodated," said Rajeev, who said his family has been coming to the QTA organised park since its start.
A total of 107 merchandise stalls offering various products such as ready-to-wear clothes, shoes and accessories are also found inside the theme park.
A variety of food products are also available at the 24 food outlets offering Indian, Chinese, Arabic and fast food.
As high temperature starts to subside, the funfair is expected to see thousands of people enjoy family and thrill rides in the open. Today, it is set to welcome more people as it is weekend and is open until 2am.
Mohammad, a Syrian national, said the park is another exciting addition to the entertainment centres in the country especially that Eid Al Adha is coming and people would wish to go places to enjoy the holiday.
Spread on a vast area of 30,000 sq m, the fun park unlike other amusement parks in the country, does not only boast of a variety of rides but of a complete entertainment centre with daily live entertainment shows and circus performances.
A big attraction at the park is a circus tent which can house 1,500 people for daily shows where clowns, jugglers, acrobats and other stunt-oriented artistes are set to amaze crowds with their breathtaking feats.
Another must-see is the 5D theatre in where one will not only experience the movie in 3D, but also experience seat movements, wind, water, fog and feet ticklers.
A large tent which can accommodate up to 1,100 people has been erected inside the park to provide live concerts by famous Gulf artistes, traditional shows, and school contests. Henna, face painting and other activities are also being held daily.
Entry to the park is free but tickets which are reasonably priced are required to avail of the various rides and to get access to the shows.
Tickets for the rides are priced from QR5 to QR25 depending on the type of ride. For the circus show, tickets are priced from QR100 to QR450 depending on the seat, but for students special discounted tickets will be provided.
During weekdays, Doha Park 2011 is open from 9am to 1pm for students and from 3pm to 12am for the public. On Fridays, it opens from 3pm to 2am.
The Peninsula
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