A NEW season has been launched at one of the kingdom’s leading visitor destinations promising a combination of thrills, splashes and leisurely horse carriage rides for all the family.
The Lost Paradise of Dilmun Waterpark (LPOD) opened its doors to visitors to kick-start its much-anticipated 2023 offerings with stilt walkers, Indian folklore drummers and dancers and mascots celebrating the opening.
Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) chief executive Dr Nasser Qaedi was the chief guest yesterday and described LPOD as one of the ‘major tourist attractions’ in the country.
“We stage huge annual events in the country such as the 2023 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix and the Bahrain Food Festival but attractions such as LPOD draw in the crowds throughout the season,” he told the GDN. “It attracts thousands of tourists to the kingdom, particularly from across the GCC, offering pure family entertainment for all to enjoy.”
Al Areen Hospitality chief executive Dr Essa Faqeeh described the enthusiasm behind this year’s opening of LPOD which he felt was ‘unprecedented’.
“The popularity of the waterpark grows each year attracting new visitors and return patrons who can’t wait for it to reopen each season,” he said.
Preparation makes perfect, he explained, as the park has to be continually refreshed and reinvigorated with style.
“Every year, three months before we open, we plan everything and our main focus remains families and children,” added Dr Faqeeh. “All our activities are our own creation and made available from 10am when we open until 8pm closing time.
“The guests are welcomed by stilt walkers, dancers, a DJ and so much more. We have many children’s activities including our ‘Kidsania’ section. We also have a lot of fun events during the evening such as a light show, a fire show and boat parade.
“We’re collaborating with the BTEA to make sure we remain a ‘must visit’ entertainment destination for all families.”
With more than 18 slides and a diverse array of food and beverage outlets, the waterpark retains its family friendly ambiance. The popular ‘Kidsania Club’ is a firm favourite with the little ones with cookery sessions and sand castle building fun among other team-building activities.
Local, regional and expatriate guests including Brits, Indians, Egyptians and GCC nationals also joined in colourful Holi festivities later in the day.
Plans are also afoot to stage special Ramadan events, including Iftar and Ghabga offerings inside a tent and also at the new outdoor garden venue.
LPOD, a Dilmun era-themed attraction, was the first outdoor waterpark in the kingdom and opened in 2007. It currently covers an overall area of 77,000sqm and has recaptured the ancient history of Bahrain by integrating it into the park’s theme.
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