After online uproar, authorities clarify: entry fees will be for Al Khor Park only

In response to a social media backlash, Qatar’s Ministry of environment clarifies that  new entry fees for public parks will only apply to Al Khor park, with  Qatar’s 90 parks still free of charge for the public to enjoy. 

The Ministry of Environment has clarified in a tweet that public parks in Qatar remain free of charge, except Al-Khor park because it contains a petting zoo inside. On Monday many residents took to social media to express their anger after an ambiguously written statement seemed to imply that all parks in Qatar would now have an entry fee. 

https://twitter.com/Baladiya1/status/1318287665461067777

The Official Gazette has however stated that ‘other parks’– later to be determined by the ministry–will have a fee of 10 riyals for adults and 5 riyals for children under 10 and those with special needs. It’s still not clear whether those other parks include some of the current green spaces that exist, or if the term refers to new parks that have yet to be opened.

 

Lost in translation? 

Many people thought the new policies will be implemented for all public parks, causing a wave of online criticism over the ministry’s decision. 

Although public parks are a popular destination for people from all walks of life, they are especially important for those from low-income backgrounds as they provide a cost-free option for recreation. It’s this that led some people to view the perceived new charges as unfairly targeting  low-wage workers and called upon the Ministry to clarify.

 

 

 

A few hours later, the Ministry cleared the air by reiterating that the entry fees are only for the zoo at  Al Khor Park, with no other public park specified for entry fee “at the current time.” 

Read more: Third Katara handicrafts exhibition unfolds global talents.

Al Khor Park is one of the oldest parks in the country and was recently reopened after undergoing extensive renovation work that lasted almost six years. The park has huge, well-maintained green spaces, a battery-operated train that can take 36 people, a miniature golf course, and a small petting zoo with oryx, emu, zebras, and exotic birds, among other animals.

In accordance with the new announcement, the entrance fee for Al Khor Park for a full day will be QR15 for adults and QR10 for children under 10 years and those with special needs. As for when special events are held, the entry fees will be QR50 for the whole day.

Interested in feeding animals at the park’s zoo? A ticket for feeding animals will cost you QR50, while the fare for Al Khor Park train has been priced at QR5 per person and free for persons with special needs.

Follow Doha News on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube

 

6
0
6
0

Most Read

6
0
Total
6
Share