World Wide Coasters

11/02/2026

The road from Karbala to Najaf gave me time to think about what came next. A stop at the hotel felt unnecessary, so I headed straight for the parks.

I started with Kufa Land. The reasoning was simple enough: it was the park furthest from my hotel, so tackling it first would make the journey back easier later on.

Although the park faces the main road, its entrance is oddly hidden down a side street. The entire frontage is taken up by a high-end club restaurant, presumably because it generates more value than the park itself.

Kufa Land sits on a long, narrow strip of land and is split into two sections, connected by a small bridge. There is no entrance fee. The first section was dominated by smaller rides and felt almost abandoned, with barely any staff in sight. Crossing the bridge into the second section felt like entering a different park altogether. This is where the larger rides were located, and the atmosphere was noticeably more lively.

Here, staff were suddenly everywhere — and so was their attention. I stood out almost immediately. As I took photos, I was noticed, followed, and questioned by several staff members. They seemed more curious than suspicious, however, and none of them stopped me from continuing.

I told one of my new-found friends that I wanted to ride the roller coaster, which was located back in the first section. He pointed me in that direction and assured me that someone from that side would come and operate it.

When I returned, the area was still deserted. I wandered past a few silent rides before finally spotting a ride operator sitting on the floor, completely absorbed in his phone. When I called out, I startled him — he clearly wasn’t expecting anyone, given how quiet the area was. I told him I wanted to ride the coaster, and he agreed without hesitation. I paid him directly.

The coaster itself was Chinese-built and fairly unremarkable, but it still counted as another credit for me.

There were a few other rides in the second section that I could have tried, but it had been a long day and the fatigue was starting to catch up with me. I decided it was time to move on and head to the second park.

03/02/2026

Dreamland Karbala was the second previously unknown park uncovered during our research, and it immediately proved to be an intriguing discovery. Opened in 2022, the park is located inside Al Harith Mall and differs from most amusement parks in Iraq by following a format more common across the wider Middle East. Rather than a standalone outdoor park, Dreamland Karbala is a mall-based family entertainment centre—a notable contrast in a country where most parks operate outdoors. Outdoor parks often limit their hours during the intense summer months, opening mainly in the evenings when temperatures are more manageable.

Access to Al Harith Mall is not immediately obvious. What appears to be the main entrance is actually the exit. The true entrance is a plain doorway set to the side, giving no hint that it leads to a large shopping centre. Passing through this doorway brings visitors into a holding area for a security screening. Once cleared, guests are guided into the mall’s grand foyer, which is far more impressive than the entrance would suggest. Inside, the mall resembles any major shopping centre worldwide, with a wide selection of well-known international brands.

The family entertainment centre is compact but well equipped. Its headline attraction is a small spinning coaster manufactured by Shangang Rides. The Snail Roller Coaster is noticeably smaller than the SBF Visa spinning coaster, making it ideal for younger riders seeking their first thrill. Despite its modest size, it delivers a surprisingly enjoyable spinning experience.

In addition to the coaster, Dreamland Karbala offers a varied selection of family-friendly rides and attractions. These include a mini Ferris wheel, dodgems, an inflatable slide, swings, a mini Tagada, climbing frames, a ball pit, and several other small spinning rides. Together, they provide a well-rounded entertainment lineup typical of a modern mall-based FEC.

From an enthusiast’s perspective, the operation is refreshingly accommodating. I was allowed to ride the coaster without difficulty and was given a card loaded with the exact credit required for a single ride. It’s a small but appreciated detail that many FECs could adopt. Enthusiasts often only want to experience one or two rides, rather than purchasing all-day packages designed for children eager to ride continuously.

After experiencing the park, it was time to leave the holy city of Karbala and head to Najaf. Karbala had treated me well; now I was eager to discover what new adventures awaited in the next city.

02/02/2026

Amazing City Games Hillah is less than a ten-minute drive along the main road from Queen’s Park. The journey could have been even shorter if not for the awkward one-way system, which forced a brief detour and a U-turn before passing back by the park. It would probably be easier if there were a gap in the road allowing vehicles to turn right when leaving the park, but I suppose Queen’s Park isn’t considered important enough to warrant such a modification.

As you approach the park, the view from the road is dominated by a massive roller coaster at the front, acting as a magnet for passing traffic. Painted bright yellow, it was built by Chinese manufacturer Chang Long and immediately draws the eye.

The park entrance is also beautifully illuminated, with hundreds of small bulbs lining both sides. Between the gates sits a ticket counter, wrapped in lights and shaped like an arch. Entrance costs 1,000 IQD. Once inside, it’s almost impossible to take your eyes off the coaster, but if you manage to look away, you’re greeted by a water fountain featuring popular characters like Mickey and Minnie, alongside Tom & Jerry.

From satellite imagery, it’s clear the park follows a structured layout: the coaster at the front, followed by two large circular areas side by side, each filled with multiple rides. The remaining attractions are spread out toward the back, running along the rear wall.

Overall, the ride collection at Amazing City Games Hillah is solid, catering to all ages and thrill levels. The thrill ride lineup is as good as any major park in the country—after all, this is Hillah’s premier park.

I bought my 2,000 IQD ticket for the coaster and made my way to the ride platform. A few other guests joined in shortly after. It was easy to tell that the ride operator wasn’t a local. He was a young but well-built man, and when I asked, I learned he was from southern India. He told me in English that they needed to perform a test run before allowing anyone to ride. Partway through the test, the train valleyed and came to a complete stop, stuck in a position where it couldn’t be pushed out.

The operator announced that the ride was down for the day and advised everyone to use their tickets on other attractions. I tried to explain that I was happy to wait, but he wouldn’t listen. One lesson I’ve learned from visiting parks is that if a ride operator is adamant, trying to convince them is usually a waste of time—they’re simply following orders. In situations like this, it’s better to speak with someone from management.

That’s exactly what I did. I found a manager and explained that I wouldn’t be able to return the following day, asking if there was any chance the issue could be resolved later that same day.

The manager spoke with the ride operator and a mechanic who had been called over. After a brief discussion, he returned and explained that it would take around two hours to get the train back to the station. This would require using the park’s crane, followed by greasing the tyres before the ride could operate again.

He suggested I come back in two hours, by which time the coaster should be ready. I still wanted to visit Happy Land and grab something to eat, so I left and returned later as advised. When I came back, I headed straight to the coaster, where the same operator greeted me with a big grin and told me they’d just finished greasing the ride and it was ready.

I finally got my ride. For a Chinese coaster, it was decent enough, though not something I felt the need to ride again.

With the credit secured, it was time to leave Hillah and head back to Karbala. During the drive, I reflected on the day: some sightseeing, a visit to an abandoned palace, three different parks—each with its own vibe—and a successful day of credit counting, complete with a bit of drama thrown in. What more could one wish for? 🙂

29/01/2026

In the chaos of everyday traffic, I had deliberately chosen a surreal, calm female voice on my navigation system—someone meant to guide me safely and without any drama to my destination. Ironically, she became the very source of my stress. She was losing it, recalculating endlessly. As I watched her fail spectacularly, I felt myself unraveling right along with her.

There I was, lost in the dimly lit backstreets of central Hillah, wandering aimlessly in a vain attempt to find Happy Land.

My frustration grew by the minute. My once-soothing navigation system—Cindy—seemed completely overwhelmed, unable to offer any real direction. Happy Land, it turned out, was tucked inside a residential area, hidden behind tall walls on three sides—carefully concealing the fact that an amusement park existed beyond them.

Unfortunately, Cindy had no idea about this. Instead, she confidently led me to a side entrance that looked like it hadn’t been used in years. After too many failed attempts—each one infuriatingly dumping me back at the exact same location—I finally gave up. I parked the car, opened Google imagery, and immediately saw the obvious: the real entrance and parking were clearly located at the front. At that moment, I ignored Cindy completely and followed the satellite images, which led me straight to the main gate.

Happy Land, like a few other parks, had a function hall at the front, and most of the parking was already occupied by guests attending an event. Luck was finally on my side when a car pulled out, leaving just enough space for me to squeeze in.

The entrance was intricately designed, with the park’s name written in bright, multicolored letters—instantly recognizable and irresistible to children.

The park itself was fairly small but clean and cozy. It featured plenty of cute, colorful rides aimed at younger children. The coaster—a dragon-themed ride from China—was powered and boring cost 2000 IQD. one ride was more than enough for me. Most attractions catered to little ones, but there were a few larger rides as well: a gyro swing, a pirate ship, a kangaroo jump ride, and El Sombrero. None of them really tempted me. With not much else to see or do it was time to move on.

By now, I was starving, as I hadn’t eaten any lunch, and I knew that my favorite food discovery of the trip, Firefly Burgers, had a branch here. That would be my next stop before heading over to Amazing City Games Hillah.

Those of you with a keen eye for geography may notice something curious: to reach Happy Land, one must pass Amazing City Games Hillah. So why did I skip it earlier?

To find out, you’ll have to wait for the next update 😉

25/01/2026

Climbing through a fence, moving across the open field like a shadow, then scrambling up a steep hill while avoiding security—it sounds like something straight out of a Bond movie, but this was part of my day in Hillah.

It all began in Karbala. I had returned to my hotel well past midnight after visiting the holy sites, so I decided to give myself a relaxed start to the following day. Rather than change hotels, I chose to use Karbala as a base and make a day trip to Hillah instead.

Hillah is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling through Iraq. It’s home to the ruins of the ancient city of Babylon. Visitors enter through the Ishtar Gate, which leads into the archaeological site where the legendary Hanging Gardens of Babylon are believed to have once stood. Located in central Iraq along the Euphrates River, the area is also dominated by Saddam Hussein’s palace, perched atop a hill and visible from miles away.

The authorities have done a commendable job developing the site, with newly laid paths winding through the ruins and clear signage helping visitors navigate the area.

After finishing my visit to the archaeological site, I drove a couple of minutes toward Saddam Hussein’s palace, only to discover that it was closed. The authorities plans to renovate the palace and convert it into a museum, but it’s a long-term project that could take years.
Near the entrance, a stall owner selling snacks casually mentioned that he could arrange a guide to sneak me into the palace—for a little backhand payment. I was hesitant at first, but knowing I might never return, curiosity got the better of me and I agreed.

My guide arranged for me to be smuggled into the palace, and we entered through a less-guarded back entrance. Once inside, I could see the results of years of neglect and looting—the furniture and fittings long gone, walls covered in graffiti, and the once-grand rooms now a shadow of their former glory.

I wandered around for about ten minutes before making my way back to the main entrance.

Once safely outside, I paused to gather my thoughts. Had I done the right thing? Maybe I shouldn’t have gone. But then again, you only live once. The mission was accomplished, and there was no changing what had already been done—no point regretting it now. Rather than overthinking the risks, I decided to move on—I still had three parks to visit and a long drive back to the hotel ahead of me.

My first stop was Queen’s Park, simply because it was the first one I came across. The parking lot was enormous, nearly half the size of the park itself. Within the same complex was a shopping mart selling everyday goods, including groceries—most likely an extra source of income for the park.

The parking attendant told me I could park outside the gate for free and that he’d keep an eye on my car. Parking inside would require a fee. He probably wasn’t doing his boss any favors, but I trusted him, parked outside, walked across the massive lot, and then paid a small entrance fee to get into the park.

Many parks in Iraq are similar, which makes it difficult to describe them in a fresh way. They usually feature the same types of rides, seating areas, and grassy spaces where families gather for picnics. What made Queen’s Park stand out, though, was its centerpiece: a large Ferris wheel perfect for panoramic aerial views, with a smaller mini wheel placed directly in front of it. That’s not a sight you see every day.

The park’s coaster was a powered worm coaster from China, costing 2,000 IQD per ride. I had to call over an operator to start it, as most of them were gathered beneath the Ferris wheel, chatting away. Once the ride started, another family joined me. It wasn’t particularly memorable—just another credit added to my count.

There were a few spinning rides that looked interesting, but I’d ridden similar ones elsewhere and didn’t feel the need to repeat the experience. With that, I wrapped up my visit to Queen’s Park and made the long walk back across the giant parking lot.

Thankfully, my car was still exactly where I’d left it. I thanked my parking attendant friend for keeping an eye on my hire car, climbed behind the wheel, and pulled away. The palace on the hill lingered in the rear-view mirror for a moment before fading into the distance as I drove on toward my next park.

22/01/2026

Unexpected discoveries are what make travel memorable.
During my research into Karbala, I uncovered two previously unknown theme parks within the city. Just in case there were more hiding beneath the surface, I asked a good friend—someone with a real eye for spotting overlooked parks—to see if he could find any without revealing my own discoveries. Interestingly, he came back with the exact same two.

One of those parks was Moonlight Theme Park, a mid-sized attraction that opened during the 2021–2022 season. Upon arrival, I was immediately singled out at the main gate as a foreign visitor and politely asked to meet the owner in his office.

I’d been through this process a few times before. While it can have its benefits, it’s often time-consuming, and with the day drawing to a close, I really just wanted to enter the park, ride the attractions that interested me, and move on. The gate attendant, however, was persistent and eventually convinced me to meet the owner.

As it turned out, it was worth it. After hearing my story about traveling through Iraq, the owner was extremely hospitable. He personally accompanied me to the roller coaster first, knowing it was my main target.

Although the ride had already closed for the day, the owner arranged for a staff member to restore power and operate the coaster just for me. The attraction was a shuttle coaster from a Chinese manufacturer, heavily inspired by Disney’s Cars franchise, and had opened alongside the park itself.

The ride experience was solid. The coaster train consisted of two eight-seat cars mounted back-to-back. After being pulled up the rear spike, the train was released, allowing momentum to carry it back and forth several times before coming to a natural stop. Throughout the ride, there was a noticeable screeching sound. Whether this was due to Chinese build quality or local maintenance practices was unclear, but regardless, the experience itself was enjoyable.

Once the ride concluded, the lights were switched off again and the operator returned to his own attraction. The owner wished me well, told me to enjoy the park at no cost, and headed back to his office.

I spent some time wandering around and found Moonlight Theme Park to be consistent with other Iraqi parks, offering a good mix of attractions suitable for the entire family. The rides were arranged around a man-made body of water, which included a small boating area and added to the park’s atmosphere.

Later that evening, I returned to my hotel to check in before heading out to visit one of Karbala’s most significant sites: the Imam Hussein Shrine, along with the nearby shrine of his half-brother Abbas. These sacred sites are the very reason Karbala exists and remain central to the city’s identity.

My hotel, The Baron Hotel Karbala, which I would highly recommend to anyone visiting the area, provided a free 24-hour shuttle service that made the visit straightforward. I chose to go that night so I could dedicate more time the following day to visiting the parks in Hillah, making the schedule far more manageable.

Even at midnight, the shrine complex was alive with activity. I spent over an hour there, taking in the atmosphere and observing everything around me. Regardless of religious background, it’s a powerful and memorable experience—and one well worth taking the time to see.

20/01/2026

The night was still young, and I wasn’t tired yet. After finishing up at Nawariz Karbala Amusement Park, I decided to visit a couple more parks before heading back to the hotel for the night. I chose the one furthest away, knowing it would leave me with a short and easy journey back at the end.

Happy Land sits about ten minutes outside the city limits, along the main road that runs past Karbala’s new airport—still under construction—and continues toward the holy city of Najaf. The park occupies a rectangular plot of land, with its shorter sides facing the road.

As I entered, I immediately noticed how quiet it was. The park was completely empty—no customers at all. There were only two members of staff: one sitting inside the ticket booth and another ride operator wandering around, absorbed in his phone. He didn’t even notice me walk past.

It quickly became clear that much of the park was no longer operational. Both the front and the back sections were effectively shut down. In the front, most of the rides were out of service. The big wheel, once the park’s centerpiece, had several cars missing. It looked as though it was on its way out, kept standing only because it still served as a visible landmark, a silent sign to passing traffic that an amusement park existed here.

The back of the park was even more desolate. All the rides had been removed, and the area had become a dumping ground for dismantled attractions. Rusting metal and scattered components lay where laughter and music must once have filled the air. The only part of the park that resembled a functioning amusement park was the small central section.

From old Google Earth imagery, I knew that the coaster had once been located at the very back of the park, pressed up against the left-hand wall. It had been removed in May 2025. Among the broken-down rides lying around, one vaguely resembled a coaster, but since the original had been red, this one clearly wasn’t it.

By the time I had taken all the photos I needed, I was stopped and asked not to take any more. I was then directed to speak with the senior park official in the ticket booth. He looked like the owner, or at least the person in charge.

Using Google Translate, I asked him about the missing coaster and the other removed rides. At first, he was hesitant to answer, but he began to open up once I explained who I was and why I was there. He assumed I had come either to sell him a ride or to buy one from him. When I tried to explain that I was simply an enthusiast, he couldn’t quite grasp the concept. Eventually, I gave up trying to clarify and just went along with his assumptions.

He mentioned calling someone who spoke better English to continue the conversation, but I excused myself. It felt like the right moment to leave rather than confuse things further or lead them in the wrong direction.

As we spoke, it became clear that the newer parks opening in Karbala had likely taken a toll on his business. Being located outside the city didn’t help either—why make the effort to come all the way out here when better parks with more rides and attractions were easier to reach?

The owner began asking more questions, I decided it was time to say my goodbyes. I headed toward the exit, got into my car, and entered the address of the next park into my navigation system. It took a couple of minutes since it wasn’t listed as a pre-existing location.

As I sat there, I watched the owner’s car pull out of the lot. Moments later, I followed, driving away from the park myself. In my rearview mirror, I saw the park’s lights switch off one by one.

I couldn’t help but wonder how long it would be before they turned off for good. Surely, it couldn’t be much longer.

19/01/2026

The original plan for the day had been to head to the city of Karbala in the morning. But there was no way I was leaving the capital without first returning to Baghdad Land to catch some daylight photos of the Wildcat coaster. Besides, I hadn’t explored much of Baghdad yet, so I started the day with a bit of sightseeing, visiting couple of religious sites and soaking in the city’s atmosphere.

By mid-afternoon, around 3 p.m., I arrived at Baghdad Land. Showing a selfie with the park’s owner, I was quickly waved through. By then, the schoolchildren had already left, and the park was in a transitional phase—clearing out from the afternoon rush, tidying up, and preparing for the evening crowd. Once again, the staff greeted me warmly and gave me free rein to photograph and ride the Wildcat as much as I wanted.

The near-empty park had its perks. I could snap countless photos without worrying about accidentally capturing strangers. The downside was that no one was riding the Wildcat. To get shots of it in action, I had to persuade a few staff members to take a spin themselves.

As dusk fell, I finally left Baghdad behind and headed south toward the holy city of Karbala. Known for the Battle of Karbala, where the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Imam Hussein, and his followers were martyred by Umayyad forces, the city holds deep significance for the Shia community. The battlefield has since become one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Iraq, centered around the shrines of Imam Hussein and his half-brother Abbas. Religion permeates life in Iraq, and its presence is impossible to miss in Karbala.

The city grew around these sacred sites and now attracts millions of visitors each year, especially during Ashura and Arbaeen. As the city expanded, so did its amusement park scene. Karbala is home to four amusement parks, two of which were previously unknown to me before this trip.

Rather than checking into a hotel first, I headed straight to Nawaris Karbala Amusement Park, simply because my navigation system recognized it. Located in the northern part of the city, the park was built in 2016. Its main roller coaster opened alongside the park and features a peculiar mix of themes: the train is Gothic in style, while the station is adorned with Finding Nemo placards and posters advertising a looping coaster.

In August 2019, the park added a second coaster—a Wacky Worm–style ride that likely came from Turkey. Like many amusement parks in Iraq, Nawaris Karbala offers a well-rounded selection of rides for all ages, including classic flat rides and spinning attractions, many sourced from international suppliers who specialize in portable amusement equipment.

The park shares a car park with a nearby mosque, with a side entrance leading directly into the park. To the left, along the parking area wall, stretches a neatly maintained lawn with trees. Many families were enjoying this space as a picnic area, giving the park a relaxed, communal atmosphere. It seemed like the perfect place for families to forget their worries for a while and simply enjoy each other’s company.

Conveniently located on the main road into the city, Nawaris Karbala is easy to reach by any mode of transport. With a shopping center and a water park under development next door, the park is poised to thrive for years to come.

13/01/2026

POV of the Wildcat in Baghdad Land Amusement Park, Iraq. Taken from a hand held device (permission granted from park). First time so please excuse the quality.

Schwarzkopf Wildcat roller coaster in Baghdad Land, Iraq.

12/01/2026

The final park in Baghdad that I had yet to visit was Sindbad Park. The park is themed around the fictional character Sindbad, a sailor from Baghdad who embarks on adventurous voyages and faces immense challenges along the way. Much like Sindbad himself, I also faced a challenge just getting to the park.

Sindbad Park is located directly across a busy road from Baghdad Land, but reaching it by car turned into an adventure of its own. Instead of simply crossing the main road, I had to navigate through back alleys, loop all the way around the Iraqi Martyr Monument, and pass numerous ministry offices. As the crow flies, it should have taken only a minute, but the route was far from straightforward and took much longer than anticipated.

Sindbad Park was the only park in Iraq that initially refused me entry, explaining that it was a family-only park. After I explained who I was and the purpose of my visit, they listened to my story and eventually allowed me inside.

It was also the only park where I was searched before entering. Men and women had separate entrances, with both passing through small private cubicles to maintain their privacy during the security check.

Once inside, I entered a large courtyard dominated by a central fountain topped with an elegantly designed dragon sculpture. The space felt like a waiting area, where guests could gather while other family members completed the security process. The surrounding buildings appeared mostly empty but were beautifully themed, giving the area an Arabian aesthetic that perfectly complemented the Sindbad character.

Sindbad Park itself is quite large, with amusement rides scattered across a wide area. While walking around, I met a ride operator from the subcontinent, and we quickly bonded as we spoke the same language. He explained that a large number of people from the subcontinent come to Iraq on pilgrimage and often stay on to find work. Many of them find employment in amusement parks, as they are considered more hardworking than the locals and frequently take long shifts so the parks can remain open for extended hours. After our conversation, he went to speak with his supervisor and returned to tell me that an announcement had been made over the walkie-talkies allowing me to ride any attraction free of charge. He even brought me a drink to enjoy.

I told him I couldn’t accept the offer, as he was an employee and I didn’t want to burden him. I explained that it would be different if the park owner or manager had made the gesture. He reassured me that it wouldn’t cost him anything, explaining that management allows free rides for family and friends of staff—and that I was now considered his friend. This was yet another reminder that hospitality in Iraq is second to none.

According to RCDB, Sindbad Park is supposed to have two roller coasters. The larger coaster is a Zamperla Twister 420 STD model named Aladdin Coaster, which is visible from miles away as it stands in an open field. The second coaster was allegedly a Big Apple, but despite checking every nook and cranny, I couldn’t find it. I asked my new friend about it, but he had no knowledge of a second coaster. Later, I spoke with a more senior staff member who had worked at the park for ten years, and he confirmed that he had never seen another coaster there.

With that confirmed, I headed to the spinning coaster. I attempted to pay for the ride, but the operator refused. He told me that the supervisor had made a specific announcement instructing staff not to accept money from “the guy wearing the blue T-shirt.”

The park has a solid collection of rides, ranging from thrill attractions to family and children’s rides. One standout feature was the presence of three sets of dodgems. I had previously seen parks with two—one for adults and one for children—but this was the first time I had encountered three in a single park.

After trying a few more rides, and once again being refused when I tried to pay, I decided not to take further advantage of the park’s generosity. I headed back to the hotel but not before stopping for a meal at FireFly Burgers, a fast-food chain I had tried for the first time in Iraq. I enjoyed it so much that I sought it out a few more times while traveling in the country 😋