DOHA: The windy and dusty weather yesterday deterred the opening of the ‘Flash Fun’ inflatable aqua park, one of the exciting components of the Qatar Summer Festival (QSF) which kicked off yesterday at various locations.
None of the nine huge inflatable water games were raised because of the strong wind and dust which affected the coastal areas in the country including Wakrah Beach where the ‘Flash Fun’ is located.
A staff said they would not likely to start today and would probably start operating tomorrow or Thursday once the weather turns fine.
The inclement weather yesterday, however, did not spoil the opening of the seven-week long QSF organized by the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) as activities and events launched simultaneously in several locations.
The ‘Family Fun’ entertainment city at the Doha Exhibition Centre opened with 15 games for various ages.
The games are classified into four zones namely Interactive Zone, Summer Freeze Zone, Extreme Adventure Zone and Kids Zone and includes an assortment of exciting games including ski slope, tube ride, rock climbing wall, remote control car, high rope garden, circus school, skate park, zorb obstacle course, simulators Moto GP-F1 racer, mini kids entertainment, kids ski, cross country ski track, segway course and snow fun.
“The games are varied. There is always something for every age and interest,” said Gerry Gomez, one of the visitors who tried several of the games including rock climbing and high ropes.
Mohammad Gamal, another visitor, lauded the QTA for coming up with the idea of integrating various games under one roof.
“This festival provides people like me to take up some exciting sports activity during summer,” said Gamal, who took to skateboarding at the Skate Park with ramps in which people can also do in-line skating or ride BMX bikes.
Also found at the entertainment city is a food court with over a dozen stalls selling a variety of culinary delights. In addition there is a stage where shows for children are presented.
Ticket prices range from QR5 to QR30 depending on the type and duration of the game. The entertainment city is open from Sunday to Thursday (3pm to 11pm) and Friday and Saturday (2pm to 12 midnight).
Free bus service is provided from Q-Post office to DEC from 3pm to 10pm during weekdays and from 2pm to 11pm every Friday and Saturday.
The dancing fountain shows on the Corniche was a visual delight to people who flocked to see the breathtaking water show accompanied by music.
Several shows are scheduled nightly from Sunday to Thursday from 6pm to 11pm with 30 minute intervals and on Fridays and Saturdays from 7pm to 12 midnight with 45 minutes interval.
People who wanted to enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking, diving and other adventure activities have started purchasing tickets at the tent outside Al Khor Mall.
The ‘Adventure Fun’ activities are held in Al Khor from 1pm to 6pm every day.
QTA is also organising a Shopping Fun activity from August 17 to September 13 at
The Pearl Qatar, The Mall, City Center, Hyatt Plaza, and Al Khor Mall where shoppers can enjoy special discounts and raffle draws on prizes worth QR2.5m including eight Audi cars.
The QSF concludes with a Disney On Ice show scheduled from September 24 to 27 at the Qatar National Convention Center.
THE PENINSULA
