Bahrain: Investors behind Bahrain’s biggest theme park are being urged to introduce new concepts to attract people back to the facility, which owes the government hundreds of thousands of dinars.
Members of the Capital Trustees Board discussed ways to improve the Adhari Park, which is run by the Adhari Park Development Company, during their weekly session in Bilad Al Qadeem.
They claim the park has experienced little to no business, which they contributed to both financial difficulties since the 2011 unrest and lack of new facilities.
Sources told the GDN that the company owes the Works, Municipalities and Urban Planning Affairs Ministry approximately BD500,000 in rent and municipal fees, adding that no payments have been made since 2010.
“The theme park was part of a revival plan to attract tourists and visitors, but nothing new has been built and the place has been almost abandoned,” said board chairman Mohammed Al Khozaae.
“Since opening in 2008 the park has not seen any development in the attractions it offers.
“To be honest, the outdoor concept is old these days and people like doing things similar to what Gravity indoor skydiving is offering, something that is new and can be renewed through practice levels and competitions.
“Taking a ride that goes in circles without purpose is not the way things should be in 2016 – something that’s really outstanding has to happen at the park, which has a contract until 2038.”
Mr Al Khozaae said the company has to take immediate action to draw people to the park, especially with its increasing debt.
“The company has to act fast and introduce new attractions - I don’t mean more wedding halls or gyms it has to be come up with new concept attractions that all family members can enjoy,” he said.
“Delaying action will only result in less people being interested until the place becomes deserted, it will also lead to mounting debts.
“We don’t want to end up terminating the contract and we have told the company about some ideas and hopefully they will be implemented.”
The park was constructed by Al Khaleej Development Company (Tameer) and Kuwaiti Markets and Commercial Complexes Company, which then formed a company with three other partners.
The BD15 million theme park was opened in April 2008 as a part of plans to revive the area.
Part of the historic park was reopened to the public in September 2003, after the ancient spring and surrounding areas were renovated and a mosque was built at a cost of BD600,000.
The whole project was initiated by His Majesty King Hamad and is being overseen by the Capital Trustees Board and the Capital Trustees Authority.
Officials from the Adhari Park Development Company were unavailable for the comment yesterday.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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