Creative juices flowed freely and budding talent came to the fore as children participated in drawing and singing contests at the Ramadan Night Market presently being held at Sheikh Rashid Hall, World Trade Centre. The market, which opens its doors at 8pm and closes at 2am, has been a constant source of attraction for toddlers, youngsters and adults alike, courtesy the plethora of entertainment avenues that it offers to its visitors. Since the play zones are situated in close proximity to retail outlets, parents were able to keep an eye on their precious bundles while the kids hopped from one ride to another, indulging in their favourite games and activities.
The massive gaming zone has become one of the biggest highlights of the souq, with visitors appreciating the number of rides, and more importantly, constructive workshops. Children had a pleasant time painting ceramics, learning to make colourful loom bands and jewellery and decorating cupcakes among other activities to their hearts’ content. For those focused on venting out their pent up energy, inflatable zone and adventure rides served the purpose well. But for most children, the star attraction was the karaoke singing and go-carting.
“The next big thing to look forward to is the fancy dress show along with the dance competition scheduled for 10th and 11th July, respectively,” said a representative of Extreme Excite, the organizers of Kids Play Area. “The response to the first two contests was great and it was really wonderful to see parents encouraging youngsters to do their best. Obviously, the prizes could only go to few children, but the confidence and spirit of winning and losing that kids gain from such exercises is immense and that is what we want to achieve.”
Just a few paces away in the Fun Play Area designed for teenagers, competitive spirit, an element of adventure and fun, and the quest for victory formed the essence. Catering to the young and the restless the area teemed with young signors eager to experience bull riding, courtesy the amazing rodeo bull. Mountain climbing was also in demand, as more and more visitors tested their strength and exerted themselves to the maximum.
If Kids Play Area attracted children and Fun Play Area excited youngsters, then Play and Win Area proved to be a magnet for visitors of all ages. Armed with artillery of games to tempt anyone, the zone was constantly occupied with people trying their luck. Their senses alert, their aim calculated, visitors made attempts to hook a bag, smash an entire lot of cans, or simply toss the ball in the basketball hoop – a feat easier said than done. For many others, the pull was raffles and draws which promised fabulous prizes, with winners announced every night.
Sunil Jaiswal, President of event organisers Sumansa Exhibitions said: In this sweltering heat, going out with children is not exactly fun. Ramadan Night Market gives the ideal opportunity for not just kids to have fun, but adults, too, get a chance to let their hair down and indulge the child-like side to their nature, yet with all the comforts of indoor recreation. The gaming zones have always been a crowd puller in the market, but this year the varietyof games is fantastic, attracting even more visitors.”