Leisure park in Basra’s Sibah draws families, foreign workers in winter season

BASRA — A privately owned leisure park in the Sibah area of southern Basra governorate is attracting visitors from nearby towns as well as foreign oil workers and teachers, after years of gradual expansion along the Shatt al-Arab waterway.

The site, about 40 kilometers north of Faw and directly across from Iran’s Abadan, now includes green spaces, a small zoo, family cabins, restaurants and an amusement park. Owner Alaa Al-Shahmani told 964media the project began in 2017 and opened in 2018 on eight dunams of land (around two acres), later expanding in several phases.

“We saw people coming from Basra city to Sibah in winter to enjoy the open countryside,” Shahmani said. “So we placed our trust in God and launched this park.”

Animals in the zoo were brought from different parts of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. The collection includes bears, lions and several bird species such as cockatiels, along with monkeys. Shahmani said a raccoon once kept at the park escaped.

He noted the park has become a popular destination particularly in the colder months, when visitor numbers peak between September and April. “In summer, turnout is very low,” he said.

Guests include Turkish, Chinese and Pakistani workers employed by local oil and gas companies, as well as foreign teachers working in the area.

Shahmani said the zoo operations face logistical challenges, especially in sourcing suitable meat for carnivores and feed for birds.

He described Sibah as a quiet, well-serviced area with low population density. “Its people are rich in spirit, not money,” he said, urging more residents of Basra to visit. “Come and enjoy the winter beauty along the banks of the Shatt al-Arab.”