The newly-developed BD15 million ($40 million) Adhari Park in Bahrain will be opened to the public on Family Day, which falls on March 21.

Most of the rides are operational and others are in place, but still undergoing tests, said the developer.

A total of 120 Bahrainis have been hired to operate the park, accounting for 90 per cent of the staff, according to the Adhari Park Development Company.

The opening date was revealed at a press conference at the park attended by municipalities and agriculture minister Mansoor bin Rajab.

He said the redevelopment of the park was the first joint venture between a municipal council and the private sector and had created an historic landmark as well as an entertainment facility.

Company project vice-chairman Mohammed Abdul Khaliq said that all the rides would be operational on the opening date.

'We are still studying the entrance and ride fees, which will be reasonably priced,' he said.

'Safety in the park is our priority, therefore we have hired a company that assembles the rides and tests them to certify them.'

Al Khaliq said that the rides would be certified each year to ensure their continued safety.

'Staff were hired last year and have been receiving training on how to operate the rides and give first aid,' he said.

Ministry and Northern Municipal Council members' families and guests enjoyed a fun day out at the park.

The park is built on an area measuring 165,319 sq m and features 34 rides, including a go-cart ride and a monorail, plus family recreation facilities, a traditional shopping mall with 25 shops and a children's museum.

The park is part of the second phase to revive the Adhari area, which boasts one of Bahrain's most historic landmarks, Ain Adhari.

The ancient natural freshwater spring was renovated three-and-a-half years ago.

The project is being constructed by Al Khaleej Development Company (Tameer) and Kuwaiti Markets and Commercial Complexes Company, which has been contracted to run the park for 30 years.

They formed the Adhari Park Development Company (an independent body), with three other partner companies.

Part of the historic park was reopened to the public in September 2003, after the pool and surrounding area was renovated and a mosque built, at a cost of BD60,000.

Until a decade ago, the pool was one of the most popular recreation sites in Bahrain. The whole project was initiated by His Majesty King Hamad and is being overseen by the Northern Municipality.-TradeArabia News Service