Abbasid shrine opens free family park in Karbala for Eid al-Ghadir

KARBALA — The Abbasid Holy Shrine has opened a new family park in Karbala, offering free entry to residents and visitors during Eid al-Ghadir celebrations.

The Badr al-Duja Recreational Oasis covers more than eight dunams at the 1,000 Houses intersection within the Southern Green Belt project and drew large crowds from its first hours. The site includes green spaces, waterfalls, fountains, bird and animal enclosures, children’s playgrounds and a restaurant offering subsidized prices. It was built entirely by shrine staff.

Mustafa Murtadha al-Dhiaa al-Din, secretary-general of the Abbasid Holy Shrine, told 964media the project was inaugurated under the direction of the shrine’s legal custodian, Ahmed al-Safi, to coincide with Eid al-Ghadir. “The opening of the oasis comes within the efforts of the General Secretariat of the Abbasid Holy Shrine to serve society and provide diverse service projects,” he said.

Dhiab Ahmed Imran, head of the Second Southern Green Belt Department, said the shrine plans to expand similar facilities along the green belt. Resident Abdul Jabbar Abdul Kadhim praised the project, saying the shrine’s efforts had “transformed dusty areas into attractive destinations for families.”