Numerous rides and attractions at the Souq Waqif festival continued to entertain young visitors for the second day yesterday at the Al Ahmed Square from 4pm to 10pm.
The 15-day celebration, which will run until April 18, features extreme and fun rides such as crazy frog and dragon games, swing ride and airplane games, and extreme and crazy fire games.
A family train ride takes visitors on a short journey around the Amusement Park, which also hosts many unique rides and an inflatable playground for little children.
“These rides really make my sons happy because they do not have to wait in long queues,” said Bushan, an Indian expatriate who was treating his wife and two sons to a dinner.
The family also had the opportunity to visit the Souq Waqif Art Centre which hosts three new art activities dubbed as “Drawing, Carving and Ceramic Work for the Qatari Environment.”
Bushan sees the rides, games and activities as an “outdoor version” of the Eid al-Fitr celebrations held in the past at the Doha Exhibition Centre organised by the Qatar Tourism Authority.
He said many families want to enjoy the seemingly extended winter season with such festivals.“We prefer to visit Souq Waqif regularly not only because of the many celebrations being held here but also the convenience the underground parking provides,” he added.
The underground parking, which can accommodate more than 2,000 vehicles, is a big relief for many motorists due to the scarcity of parking slots in the area. One of the most popular and major touristic destinations in Qatar, Souq Waqif is known to organise many similar festivals, events and art exhibitions for families and children especially during winter and spring.
Local and foreign tourists usually spend their evening in the area to dine and chat with friends over a cup of coffee.
Some of the Souq’s organised events host a number of theatre and family entertainment shows at the Sout Al Rayyan, attracting many spectators. Other activities and programmes are also held at various locations of the Souq.