November 15 (QNA) – Al Bidda Park is considered one of the oldest and illustrious parks in the State of Qatar, combining diverse elements of nature in one place that is adjacent to Doha Corniche.
Extended over an area of 1,745,000 square meters of green oases, Al Bidda Park is bound to be one of the destinations for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 fans and will receive ample share of events associated with the tournament, most notably FIFA Fan Festival that will feature a variety of recreational activities.
Before 2018, the park was known as Al Rumaila Park. It was closed in 2014 for renovation purposes then reopened on February 13, 2018 after comprehensive renovation and expansion.
Al Bidda Park will be a theatre for dozens of fans from over the world during the tournament through the FIFA Fan Festival which constitutes a landmark in Qatar tournament, unequivocally embodying a new vision in the entertainment experience beyond the stadiums perimeter from November 20 to December 20, 2022, from 10 am until 2 am the next day.
FIFA had previously announced that FIFA Fan Festival will be launched during FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 in Al Bidda Park for 29 days, allowing the fans to enjoy football through a wide range of recreational activities. It will also be a venue to introduce the Qatari culture beyond the fences of the eight tournament stadiums.
With a capacity of over 40,000 simultaneous visitors, the festival in Al Bidda Park will be a unique destination that hosts a variety of recreational activities for soccer fans from over the world to enjoy amazing times with giant screens installed to broadcast live matches in the outdoor, in addition to watching the performance of the best local and international music events along with live pieces of music performed by famous artists, and other performance and recreational activities and a collection of food and beverages services, which ensure impressive times for fans full of fun and entertainment.
Al Bidda Park contains three-pronged areas separately, Rumailah area which features geometric parks, Al Bidda area with green open space and landscapes dedicated to private meetings and Wadi Al Sail which features panoramic views with large and open spaces.
The Park hosts 1,766 trees, and over 514,000 square meters of lawns covering 274,520 square meters. The park also includes 8 playgrounds for children, 6 outdoor equipped exercise areas alongside a rubberized fitness trail and 6 parking lots with a capacity of 4,428. The park is equipped with CCTV for the safety and security of the public.
Al Bidda Park also contains several sites, including Wadi Al Sail Historical Site, located in the far northern elevated part of the park. The site is considered habitat of local plants and features a unique and perfect view of the sunrise over the skyscrapers of West Bay area. The entire park is rich in local plants and wildlife, and attracts large number of migratory birds owing to its geographical location.
The perennial trees in the park are the same trees existed in the estate park which used to occupy the current park site. there are now 1766 trees, such as Sidr, a symbolic tree in the Qatari culture. Local plants are planted in a large swath of the park areas to reflect the regions environment, and constitute a perfect habitat for local wildlife, such as lizards, butterflies and birds.
The Arched Monument in Al Bidda Park is a well-known and much-loved landmark in Doha. It dates back to the previous Al Bidda Park and represents a great location for a selfie or sunset photo.
In July 2018, the steel bridge structure was built and completed artistically and creatively to connect Wadi Al Sail and Arumailah park. As it becomes an iconic structure with its design and purpose. The bridge is the perfect viewing platform to witness the glittering skyline of Doha and the majestic sunrise and sunset.
Fountains and cascades of water provide the perfect centerpiece for the park, along with coffee shops and outdoor seating to enjoy the sound of running water and the beautiful views. Amongst the flower beds there are family picnic tables made from stylish white terrazzo and shaded by gazebos.
In addition, the view of the modern skyline of Doha from the stone terraces is amongst the best in the park. This area is at the center of cultural activities in Al Bidda Park ranging from childrens entertainment to outdoor cinema screenings and musical performances.
The Qatar National Flag is set on top of grass lined stone terraced structure, while the 360-degree views of the park and distant city skyline from this location are well worth the climb to the top. The Park contains purpose-built barbeque stations and Gazebos are located throughout the three park zones. The Park sets a program for walking and the trips associated with instructors with the existence of a walkaway that covers all park sides.
There are also eight well-equipped play areas across Al Bidda Park and contain everything from sandpits and climbing frames to swings and zip lines. The entire park is one of the giant play areas for children.
There are two mazes to explore in Rumailah close to the National Flag. Elsewhere, an extensive network of cycle lanes can be used for cycling, rollerblading, and skateboarding. (QNA)