Khalid Tawalbeh
Doha
Al-Shu’aa Reserve in Al-Khor City has become a major tourist attraction for visitors from Arab Gulf countries in recent times, especially during the Eid Al-Fitr holidays, to enjoy the lovely atmosphere in Qatar and the distinctive features of the reserve that make it stand out among other parks, making it a favourite spot for families, especially for children, as they have the opportunity to see turtles, rabbits, birds and other animals roaming around.
Many visitors who spoke to Qatar Tribune described Al-Shua’a as one of the mini-reserves that are unique to Qatar and includes 14 species of animals and birds -- ostriches, turkeys, chickens, yams, pigeons, geese, ducks and quail as well as six species of animals including Arabian Oryx, deer, wild turtles, goats, dwarf horse and rabbits.
They said the park is an awesome destination for many parents who want to take their kids to where they can observe animals and birds and get to know them in-depth.
Emirati Ayedh Al Masoudi said Al Shua’a Reserve, with its area of up to 13,000 square metres, is a one-of-a-kind reserve that is peculiar to the Qatari city of Al Khor.
He said, "The reserve is characterised by the presence of permanent housing for animals and birds, which are continuously cared for by the responsible staff every day. The green spaces cover the entire area of the reserve, which includes dozens of trees, children’s play areas and solar-powered lampposts.”
Masoudi thanked the Department of Reserves for their outstanding efforts that contributed to the development and establishment of parks of such a high level, the most important of which is Al-Shua’a Reserve, which provides one of the most important recreational facilities for families.
For his part, Ali Al Harbi from Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah in Saudi Arabia said he frequents Al-Shua’a Reserve whenever he travels to Qatar and he is impressed by its distinctiveness, as the reserve gives families and kids in particular the chance to get to know the various kinds of animals and birds.
Stressing that the park is appropriate for all ages and helps to conserve some endangered animal species, Harbi said what makes the reserve’s concept unique is that it provides entertainment for the kids while also educating them about the types and characteristics of existing animals.
"The doors to the reserve are open until 10 o’clock in the evening, so people can stay there until then thanks to solar-powered lights, which is a good decision by the Qatari Ministry of Municipality,” he added.
For his part, Salman Al Salmi from Al Jahraa, Kuwait, described the creation of the reserve as a very good idea and that it is one of the unique reserves in Qatar, urging such a type of reserves should be established in other regions of the country.
"The reserve offers children to observe turtles, bunnies, birds and other species in a close range as they walk about freely. The establishment of such reserve in other parts of the country will be very excellent because it will provide more education and entertainment outlets for families,” he said, adding that the reserves will be very well appreciated because they will attract children who love these kinds of animals.
Qaftan Al Yami from Khamis Mushait in Saudi Arabia said the Al-Shua’a Reserve in Al-Khor City is popular with tourists from inside and outside Qatar, especially those interested in seeing animals in their natural habitat.
He emphasised that the reserve offers youngsters the chance to learn a lot of information in a more accessible way than what they can get in books, saying that the location of the reserve is excellent and secure because it is far from city distractions.
He added that children are always attracted to parks of this kind and are glad to be there, especially when they can see animals wandering freely rather than being contained in cages as in well-known zoos.
The Municipality of Al Khor and Al Thakhira, in cooperation with the Ras Laffan Social Networking Programme, has opened two parks and a reserve - Qarmah Park, Al Khor Plaza Park and Al-Shuaa Reserve - to the public in Al Khor and Al Thakhira area.
The Al Qarmah Park occupies an area of 10,500 square metres and contains various agricultural elements, with 650 square metres dedicated as green area featuring various shade trees. It also has two children’s play areas with sun umbrellas and solar lampposts.
Al-Shua’a Reserve was established on a total area of 13,000 square metres, and illuminated by solar energy. It contains a total of 62 different types of trees, in addition to 132 ducks and geese, one Arabian Oryx, a deer, three ostriches, three goats, 14 quails and 110 pigeons.
Al Khor Plaza Park has an area of 22,500 square metres and features green areas of about 19,000 square metres, a circular walkway and a water fountain with a diameter of 20 metres, which operates automatically with water systems. As many as 12,000 seasonal flowers, 8,000 soil coverings, 45 shade trees and three uPVC umbrellas were also planted in the park.