The BD15 million ($39.8 million) revamped Adhari Park in Bahrain threw open its gates with an offer of free rides for the next three days starting tonight.

Visitors will just have to pay a minimal entrance fee of 500 fils, before having access to all rides in the park, which was officially opened last night.

A colourful ceremony marking the opening of the park was held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad, who deputised his son Southern Governor Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa to attend on his behalf.

Top Bahraini singers performed an operetta marking the opening of the park, as fire works brightened up the sky.

The park, built on an area of 165,319 sq m, offers 34 attractions which include go-carting, plus family recreation facilities and a traditional shopping mall with 25 shops.

The park is a 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.

Municipalities and Agriculture Affairs Minister Mansoor Bin Rajab said that the historic reopening of the park is a dream come true not just for Bahrainis, but people from other neighbouring countries.

"Adhari is a historic site in Bahrain's history as it houses one of Bahrain's well-known natural water springs," he said.

"It has been an inspiration to poets and writers who have visited Bahrain throughout the years, as it was the strongest spring, not just supplying nearby gardens, but even villages and towns far away.

"Now Adhari is back to its glorious days, a place where the whole family can meet."

Bin Rajab said it would not just be a regular park, but an outstanding family recreational facility, that is a mixture between history and leisure.

"This is Bahrain's first built-operate-transfer project, in which municipal land is being given to investors to carry out a park project on," he said.

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

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

He said that the project provides around 300 jobs, with Bahrainisation being at 90pc.

"All of the jobs would be Bahrainised in future, when Bahrainis currently working get proper training to take up high positions in the company.

Northern Municipal Council chairman Yousif Al Boori said that His Majesty King Hamad's patronage reflects the importance of the project.

Adhari Park Development Company board chairman Jamal Al Heji said that developers were proud with His Majesty's attention towards the success of the project, which they hope would reach its goals.

"This is the first step in the tourism industry Bahrain is trying to promote and through our joint efforts with all those involved, we would be able to achieve success, in turning the place to a top tourist destination not just for Bahrainis, but other GCC countries."

The park houses a food court with top fast food restaurants such as KFC, Jasmis, Al Abraj, Subway and many others.

Bin Rajab then presented Shaikh Abdulla with a commemorative gift (a golden palm tree symbolising the history of Adhari), which he accepted on behalf of King Hamad.

Visitors, during the days after the offer, can go for rides ranging from 250 fils to BD3, from 8 am to 1 pm and from 4 pm to 10 pm and midnight during the weekend. - TradeArabia News Service