Informing this yesterday, Qatari entrepreneur and chairman of West End Park Mana al-Mana said the events are held to coincide with the International Workers’ Day celebrations.

“The shows are held in honour of the mainly Asian workforce, which has contributed considerably to the building of the country, and in recognition of the efforts they are making to realise the residents’ dreams of turning Qatar into a top-class destination at the world level,” said al-Mana, adding that the organisers expect between 14,000 and 15,000 people today and tomorrow.

While the first day’s events are dedicated to Indian and Nepalese expatriates, the second day features events by Filipino singers and other artistes. “On Thursday, singers and dancers from India and Nepal will entertain the gathering from 7pm,” the West End Park chairman said.

Recalling that every event held at West End Park since its launch last May has been a big hit with the crowds, the businessman said more than 130,000 spectators have thronged the venue for about a dozen events held there so far. He added that there were exceptionally big crowds for the Indian film artistes’ “Stars Night” and cricket matches played on Qatar National Day.

“We expect similar patronage for the events to be held in coming months as well,” he said.

The events today and tomorrow are lowly priced to ensure that they remain affordable to the visitors, said al-Mana, stressing that the proceeds from the event would be far less than what is required for the complex’s maintenance. 

The West End Park chairman also indicated the group’s interest in working in tandem with the country’s ministries to bring more events to the complex in future.

Thanking residents for their “remarkable patronage” to the complex and the establishments there over the past year, al-Mana said the place has established itself as a perfect destination for leisure and fun. The events are scheduled to start from 7pm today and 4pm tomorrow.