By Joey Aguilar/Staff Reporter

Wanasa Entertainment City at Doha Exhibition Centre (DEC) will operate until September 15 although many stall owners hope to get an extension up to September 25.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, an official of the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) said families, children and shoppers should utilise the seven remaining days to visit the place. “As far as I know there will be no extension, it will conclude on the 15th,” he stressed.
Filled with fun rides, arcade and video games, various shops and restaurants, Wanasa Entertainment City was launched
on August 8 for the Eid al-Fitr celebrations. Some salespersons in non-food stalls have been offering discounts and special offers for shoppers. The products on offer include bags, women’s dresses and accessories and even food items from various Middle East and Asian countries, such as Morocco, Egypt, Jordan and China.
Since the number of visitors has dropped compared to the first two weeks of Wanasa’s opening, stall owners are hoping to sell more to meet their profit targets.
“Many of the visitors in the past few days are Qatari families who seem to enjoy their stay in this place. Several of them prefer our products (women’s clothes),” said a salesperson, who was managing at least two shops.
Seeing Qatar as a viable place to do business, she added that some Filipino entrepreneurs also mulling putting up shops in the country in the future.
While performances and attractions organised in the malls ended on August 17, QTA extended its “Popeye the sailorman” show at DEC to entertain children.
Instead of going elsewhere, some expatriates also spend their free time (after office) in Wanasa with their families and friends to dine and unwind.
“My kids miss the rides here but at least they have a few days to play before the classes start,” said a visitor .
Like Wanasa, Monte Carlo Circus will also have its closing act on September 15, according to the QTA official.
Breathtaking shows by well-known performers continue to attract visitors to the circus located near Qatar Sports Club. The show starts at 6.30pm.