Take a ride at Modhesh Fun City
Camels, horses, and ponies offer a memorable ride to children
As the children saddle up on the rides, their eyes brighten into a smile, their parents wave from a distance and watch over with pride as they complete their circle of excitement. Camels, horses and ponies wait for their turn to give the guests a ride on their backs. A part of the Arabic tradition and a love of children from across nationalities, the Riding Zone in the West Hall at Modhesh Fun City is filled with amusement and thrill.
“There is a passion that goes with animals of ride. I have loved them as a child, which is why I grew myself up in this business. I feel like I have given back to society by developing my love with my work,” said Khalid Bin Dhabbooi, the owner of Small Horse Corporation, the company that has coordinated the zone.
Designed as a ranch house, with attendees wearing cowboy hats, boots and a rodeo smile, the zone attracts children of all age groups to the fence. They watch with patience as the others take their turn and enjoy the affection with which they are helped on to the animals. They even get to see the horses and camels feed during the work day. There is a small shed at the back of the premises where the animals receive their daily care and rest. At a time, the zone is carried forth by two of each – horse, pony and camel. Tickets per person per ride are priced at AED 10. The child is seated comfortably on the animal of choice; he is then securely fastened to the saddle with a safety beat.
Khalid explained, “The ride is safe, it is monitored at all times and the child is never left unattended by the staff. We understand that the animals could be jolted by flash photography or any sudden sounds so we use safety belts to ensure that it’s a smooth ride always!”
“I began my business at Modhesh Fun City 10 years ago. I would bring my first and only pony to the premises and give children rides on it in the evenings. Steadily, my business grew and so did my resources. Moreover, I have befriended many children who come back to my animals and me year after year. It is indeed like an extended family that I work with,” he concluded.
Housed at the Airport Expo in Dubai, Modhesh Fun City is open to all from 10.00am to 10.00pm, Saturday to Wednesday. On Thursdays and Fridays, the venue remains open until 12.00am. It opens at 3.00pm on Fridays. Entry fee is AED 20 per person. It is organized as part of Dubai Summer Surprises 2008, the region’s biggest summer event that will continue until August 22 with 65 days of summer festivities and a refreshing change in entertainment symbolized by a combination of the region’s best in shopping, winning, and family entertainment.
