Meriam Jelliti
Doha
Al Maha Island is the new hotspot for family winter entertainment in town, attracting citizens and residents from across the country. This place is seeing a high turnout of visitors even after the successful conclusion of the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Many residents have made it a regular plan to go visit the island during the weekend while others are getting acquainted with the facilities and enjoying the activities provided, including the amusement park, Winter Wonderland, characterised by modern and attractive facilities. The sprawling man-made island is a world-class address that combines many family-friendly attractions, thrill-seekers’ favourite games and live entertainment, in addition to a line-up of renowned and popular restaurants with a capacity of 7,000 visitors.
The island adds a new site to the list of distinguished additions to tourists and residents, where they can enjoy their time exploring amusement parks and shopping arcades.
The island features 11 international restaurants operated by world-famous restaurant and lounge brands such as Zuma, Namos Beach Club, Billionaire, Tatil and others, serving delicious traditional and international cuisine to their guests. It also includes an ice skating rink and exciting theatrical performances and experiences. The sprawling man-made island also boasts an international amusement park ‘Lusail Winter Wonderland’ – the producers of Hyde Park Winter Wonderland - featuring more than 50 breathtaking games and entertainment activities designed to suit all age groups and family members, such as a 395-foot roller coaster and a skating rink.
A number of citizens and residents expressed their happiness with the global touristic island, pointing out that it is a distinguished destination that bears advanced and international experiences on par with any recreational hub around the world, noting that such projects were a necessary requirement for the population looking for places to picnic and enjoy within the country.
Faisal al Hadad, a visitor to the island, who was visiting the island for the first time, said: "The park is no different from any international parks I have been to in Europe. I would say that it is almost similar to Disneyland International, especially in the number of entertainment games it features,” he said.
He added that such destinations encourage domestic tourism and are an easy and comfortable alternatives for citizens and residents who travel abroad in search of places to enjoy and have fun during the holidays.
"The island and the Lusail Winter Wonderland are a global park and they represent a milestone in Qatar’s tourism development,” he said.
Maha al Kuwari, another first-time visitor of the island, described the hub as a world-class entertainment destination, especially for families, adding that that such places provide alternative high-quality entertainment and dining options for many people who usually travel abroad looking for fun and picnics, as it features a good number of world renowned restaurants, stunning views of the sea and modern facilities, which make the area truly global.
"This enchanting island will contribute greatly to the promotion of tourism, attracting regional and global tourists and visitors. It is considered a major destination for everyone looking for fun and new experiences,” she said. "The opening of such an island coinciding with the well-attended and successful World Cup had a great impact in presenting Qatar as a distinct tourism hub for visitors from the around the world who came to our country for the tournament.”
She added that Al Maha Island is an honourable and expressive image of the future of tourism in Qatar.
Kuwari also said that the island is wonderful and distinguished place in all aspects and a positive initiative for Qatar, which seeks to provide all kinds of entertainment and enjoyment for everyone.
Omayma, who works at one of the island’s restaurants, said the island has become a new favourite entertainment and dining hub for many residents who are constantly looking for diversity and new kind of experiences, and therefore there is nothing better than these wonderful scenes that offer both comfort and entertainment in one place.