Business & Finance Club - Doha : Numerous amusement rides, particularly for children, await visitors to the six-week long Doha Summer Fun Park, (Entertainment City) beginning today afternoon at the Doha Exhibition Centre.
Speaking to journalists on the eve of the summer park opening, Qatar Tourism and Exhibition Authority (QTEA) exhibition co-ordinator, Ammar Al Saadi, said unlike the first edition of the event last year, most space at the sprawling venue would be utilised this time round to provide entertainment.
Quoting the company co-ordinating the event, Saadi said there had been many inquiries from exhibitors this year.
Besides entertainment, Fun City will also offer a huge shopping experience for Qatar residents.
About 70 companies from Qatar, China, India, UAE, Pakistan, Bahrain, Tunisia and Lebanon are setting up stalls. A number of eateries will also open outlets at the venue, sources said.  
About 90% of the equipment brought in this year did not feature in last year’s exhibition, event organiser Seqlia’s spokesperson revealed.
“A large number of the rides and other equipment at the venue will be an all-new experience for local children,” he claimed.
The Musik Express, Tagada, City Hooper, Crazy Wave, Pony Adventure, Safari, Formula, Samba Balloon and Carousel are just some of the rides, he added.
Besides the rides, the organisers have also lined up some video games, meant mostly for children below six.
All arrangements to ensure children’s safety while using the rides have been taken, an official stressed.
Billboards will be positioned next to each game stipulating the required height and age of those permitted to use the rides. Children below 10 years will be given wrist bands with their name and guardian’s phone number.
A Lebanese entertainment company will perform for children from 6pm-10pm. Among the highlights will be plays for children, the clown family performance and a children’s carnival.
A Skills Development Centre pavilion will offer a number of awards to child winners of a competition on computer applications. 
The Qatar Islamic Center (Fanar) and the National Council for Art, Heritage and Culture will also have pavilions at the event.
The venue would be remain open from 3pm to midnight on weekdays. On Thursdays and Fridays, entry will be permitted until 1am. However, only families will be allowed entry on these two days.
During Ramadan, the venue will be open from 8pm to 2am. Entry to the venue is free.
The event will wind up on September 14.