Katara – the Cultural Village opened a new water park in its beach area (Gate 4) yesterday, aiming to provide a unique attraction for both residents and visitors.
The Splash Water Park, operated by an all-Qatari company called Alaqat, features around 60 inflatable water rides and a number of attractions designed for families and children.
Speaking to reporters at the inauguration yesterday, Katara deputy general manager for operations Ahmad Abdulrahman al-Sayed said the water park would welcome visitors from today and operate for two months.
“This is the first time we have opened a unique water park here in the beach area, which will operate for a certain period,” al-Sayed added. “We want to offer a new facility for everyone to enjoy, from 3pm to midnight daily, ensuring the safety and security of all guests.”
The official hopes to attract more visitors, including those from neighbouring GCC countries such as Saudi Arabia, to the 7,000sqm facility from the Eid al-Adha holidays onwards. 
Katara receives between 70,000 and 100,000 people during the Eid holidays, according to al-Sayed.
Alaqat also wants to bring several water sports competitions and a mix of aquatic activities at Splash, “designed to thrill everyone”.
Some of the main features of Splash include a 150m zip-line and a 50m city slide, two new attractions introduced in Qatar.
Alaqat’s business development and events manager Hatim Aboussid told reporters that Splash will also feature numerous water and sand activities such as slip slides, bubble soccer, soapy fields, inflatable games and a water park city with interconnected games and competitions for children and adults.
“It is one of the first water parks based on inflatables,” he said. “We appreciate all the initiatives the government and public sector have been taking to have lots of events, especially in this season with Eid coming up.”
The entrance fee is QR100 for an all-day, all-access pass to all the rides and attractions at the water park. A separate QR100 fee will be charged for those who will be using the zip-line.
“Splash will be filled with lots of new activities that we are bringing for the first time to the country,” Aboussid noted. “The zip-line will give people the thrill, a feel of the adventure and the opportunity to face their fear of heights.”
The organisers have set up a stage that will host activities such as live performances, games and competitions for families and children.
Aboussid said Splash is a perfect getaway for families, who want to regularly spend their afternoon or the weekend in a beach area at Katara.
“We are looking to expand it and making it longer for the benefit of the public, whether expanding it to other beaches nearby,” he added. “We will consider extending its period and maybe having it twice a year.”