(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Residents of areas in south Doha have stressed the need to provide 'reasonably priced entertainment options in their neighbourhood.
The demand comes as these areas have seen a 'significant growth in their population due to the large-scale infrastructure development works being undertaken there, it is learnt.
Many accommodation units have come up in these places to house workers and executives engaged in these and other projects.
However, they rue the dearth of entertainment options - such as cinemas - and have to rely on theatres in Doha and Asian Town to catch their favourite stars in action. We need adequate and affordable entertainment facilities in our neighbourhood, said an expatriate living there.
Contrary to the proliferation of multiplex screens in north Doha, areas in the south lack such options despite the availability of an audience there, say residents.
'There is a market for a cinema in places such as Wakrah and beyond. However, it has to be reasonably priced as well as many of those who live there cannot afford costlier options, said one of them.
A visit to the southern areas reveals that work on the Orbital Highway, Wakrah Bypass and other projects is well under way.
A large number of workers are involved in these projects and live in the neighbouring areas.
'Until a few years ago, the stretch between Wakrah and Mesaieed largely wore a deserted look. However, with a number of major projects being undertaken simultaneously in the area, several workers' accommodation units have come up there in recent years, said the manager of a labour camp located some 10km south of Wakrah.
For entertainment during weekends, particularly cinema, they have to visit Doha or Asian Town in the Industrial Area.
The camp manager felt that opening 'budget or affordable theatres would come as a boon for the workers and give them a convenient option.
Echoing similar sentiments, an Indian expatriate staying in a housing unit there said ‘one or two affordable cinemas' could help meet the entertainment requirements of the growing workforce to a large extent.
When queried on this, an official of a local cinema firm said they have not explored the market in the area until now.
However, he agreed that 'affordable cinemas in the area were a good option.
Last updated: April 22 2017 12:02 AM
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