High charges 'take fun out of Fun City'

Dubai: Twelve-year-old Alia always used to make sure she had her picture taken with Modhesh during Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), but not this year, because her mother thinks everything in Modhesh Fun City is too expensive.

"Everything is pricey here. This year, I am not even thinking about having pictures taken with Modhesh, because I am not happy with the new charges. Last year, the arts and crafts were free. But now we have to pay to even get a small face painting done," said Hannadi Al Haj.

"I am here with my sister's kids, and it is difficult to say no to children when they ask for something. They could have had more fun if things were a little cheaper," she added.

Not happy

Alia agrees with her mother and said she has been visiting Modhesh ever since she was seven, but this year she is not happy with the quality of the shows.

Dubai has world-class entertainment but it comes at a price unaffordable for many, say residents.

Modhesh Fun City for children, and the recently-opened Dubai Dolphinarium, are just two examples.

Families said their children missed out on most of the fun in Modhesh City because of the high ticket prices. Likewise, many pointed out they have still not watched the dolphins in action as the tickets are too expensive.

Modhesh Fun City charges an entry fee of Dh20, which is exclusive of most rides and games.

Ali Al Naqbi, a marketing professional from the UAE, said the authorities should reduce the price for rides from Dh10 to around Dh3 or Dh4.

"I have four kids, and have already spent Dh200 in the game arcades in the first half an hour," said the father of four.

Biju Paul, who works in the airline industry said the tickets are too expensive for families with children.

"If you are a family of five, you have to spend Dh100 on the entry fee alone. Then there are separate charges for rides and games."

Abdul Aziz from Saudi Arabia, who was visiting Dubai with his family, said since DSS is a community festival, entry to venues such as Modhesh Fun City should be free.

But the Modhesh management said this year they had received fewer complaints from residents on the cost issue because the entertainment value of the venue had considerably increased.

"Modhesh Fun City is a venue consisting of 30 different zones. And out of that, more than half of the zones are free. Children can play for hours without spending a dirham," said Ahmad Ali, Manager.

He said they had brought in a number of internationals shows for free. "We think Dh20 is very reasonable considering that the price of everything is shooting up," said Ahmad Ali.

- With inputs from Alice Johnson