AN outdoor ice skating rink has been drawing a large number of children and families not only from Bahrain but also from across the region.
Scores of people are flocking to the 500sqm attraction, in the parking area behind Al A’ali Shopping Complex in Seef District.
This year, more than 50,000 people are expected to visit the VIVA Winter Wonderland which is one of the highlights of the month-long Shop Bahrain festival.
Nearly 20 stalls surround the rink with vendors selling a range of products.
The GDN saw children as young as four years old enjoying on the ice skating rink with the many toys provided, while families shopped for retail, culinary and entertainment deals at the outdoor market.
“I sell cookies and I’m trying to expand, so I think this is a great opportunity for me to see how people react to my products,” said Mookies owner May Al Ghatam.
“I like the atmosphere; I think it attracts a lot of people and it gets very lively at night,” she told the GDN.
Meanwhile, newly-established organic coffee supplier Beanboat Coffee is happy with the response.
“We launched our product about two weeks ago and this is our first event. It’s been great so far and we’re here for the whole event,” said representative Saleh Sharif.
“It’s fun, especially since schools have closed there are many families from Bahrain and Saudi, so the crowd has been great.”
At night, the ice rink is lit up as coloured lights are beamed on skating children and shoppers alike.
Prizes
A visiting Saudi family described the event as “fantastic family fun” with a “beautiful atmosphere”.
“I would recommend the ice rink to all my friends and schoolmates; it’s something different and cool to do,” said an 11-year-old Saudi visitor.
The organisers are on hand to ensure the smooth functioning of the attraction.
“It’s a concept that we launched two years ago and we saw that there was a huge demand for something like this,” organisers Motiv8 project manager Hussain Amiri told the GDN.
“So, we studied the concept well and decided to implement it once again. The winter wonderland is basically an European concept which features an ice rink and a market.
“We are keen on improving on this concept every year.”
Safety of children was a prime consideration while organising the event which led to children being provided with free helmets and the presence of at least two instructors on ice at all times.
The skating spectacular runs until February 17 daily from 4pm to 10pm on weekdays, and 4pm to 12am on weekends.
Admission fee is BD5 for adults and BD4 for children on weekends, and BD4 for adults and BD3 for children on weekdays; VIVA Bahrain customers receive a 500fils discount.
Meanwhile, more than 80,000 prizes, including 20 cars and air tickets, are up for grabs in raffle draws throughout Shop Bahrain by way to the festival’s points collection and loyalty system.
VIVA Bahrain customers receive six points for every BD1 spent at all participating outlets which in turn will increase their chances of winning prizes.
Shop Bahrain is organised by Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority in co-operation with Tamkeen, Y K Almoayyed, VIVA Bahrain and Gulf Air.
Further information on Shop Bahrain can be found at www.shopbahrain.com or @shopbahrain on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
&uuid=(email))