Night owls and early birds can now take advantage of another green space in Qatar as the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) said its park will open round-the-clock, starting today (Apr. 5).
The MIA made the announcement of the extended hours on Twitter this morning, making it Qatar’s first park to officially open 24 hours, although enforcement of opening hours can vary.
MIA Park lovers rejoice, as of today MIA Park will be open 24/7! pic.twitter.com/ASmqzt2mJq
— MuseumofIslamicArt (@MIAQatar) April 5, 2016
Previously, the park did not open until 10.30am and closed at 11pm. Some residents had called for the park to open earlier in the morning, to allow them to take advantage of the cooler weather.
No reason has yet been given for the decision to open the park round-the-clock.
The park’s cafes will be open from 11am until 11pm, while the children’s play areas will be open 24 hours, a MIA representative said on Twitter.
A Qatar Museums‘ spokesperson was unable to give further details about the new arrangements.
What’s there
However visitors keen to take advantage of the park’s new early mornings and late-night openings should note that its parking lot has been closed “until further notice during maintenance and improvements to the area”, according to a notice on its website.
The bungee trampolines, bike hire and paddle boats are also out of commission until October, it adds.
Meanwhile, a section of the park will be made ladies-only on Tuesdays from 5pm for personal training and fitness sessions.
The park, which opened to the public in January 2012, has become one of Qatar’s most popular green spaces, in part due to its location and views across Doha Bay.
It hosts a number of events, including the annual Qatar International Food Festival, which closed last week, and the weekly Saturday bazaar. Its three large play areas and cafes make it popular with families.
Will you take advantage of the new hours? Thoughts?
