Samî Abdulrahman Park, Western Desert Travel Guide

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Erbil's largest park, a green escape offering leisure, recreation, and a poignant reminder of Kurdish resilience and freedom.

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Samî Abdulrahman Park

Samî Abdulrahman Park, a sprawling green space in Erbil, is a testament to the city's transformation. Once the site of Saddam Hussein's military base, it now offers a peaceful retreat with lakes, gardens, and recreational facilities.

A brief summary to Samî Abdulrahman Park

5XRP+F2M, Erbil, Erbil Governorate, IQ
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Monday 6 am-12 am
Tuesday 6 am-12 am
Wednesday 6 am-12 am
Thursday 6 am-12 am
Friday 6 am-12 am
Saturday 6 am-12 am
Sunday 6 am-12 am

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Samî Abdulrahman Park.

Visit early in the morning for a peaceful atmosphere and cooler temperatures.
Pack a picnic to fully enjoy the park's picturesque scenery.
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the park's trails and pathways.

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Explore Samî Abdulrahman Park on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Samî Abdulrahman Park, mapped for you.

Getting There

Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Erbil. A taxi from the Erbil city center to Samî Abdulrahman Park typically takes 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare is between 12.1 USD (15,800 IQD) for a 5km ride.
Public Transport

Minibuses and shared taxis are available from Erbil city center towards the Erbil-Baghdad Road. Inform the driver that you want to go to Samî Abdulrahman Park. The fare typically ranges from 1,000 to 3,000 IQD, depending on the distance and the type of vehicle.
Car

From the center of Erbil, take the 60-meter road (also known as the Erbil-Baghdad Road) heading south. After about 5 kilometers, look for signs directing you to Samî Abdulrahman Park. There is ample parking available at the park entrance.

Discover more about Samî Abdulrahman Park

Samî Abdulrahman Park, located in Erbil, is more than just a park; it's a symbol of peace and regeneration for the Kurdistan Region. Constructed on the former site of Saddam Hussein's 5th Corps Army military base, a place where many Kurds were once tortured, the park represents a significant shift from a past of conflict to a future of hope and recreation. The park is named in honor of Sami Abdulrahman, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government who was killed in a suicide bombing in 2004.Spanning 200 hectares (487.3 acres), it is one of the largest parks in the Middle East and a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The park features two lakes, a rose garden, and the Martyrs Monument, which bears the inscription "Freedom is not free". Visitors can also find a restaurant and market within the park.The park offers a variety of activities and attractions, including walking and jogging paths, playgrounds, sports facilities (such as basketball and volleyball courts, football fields, and a running track), and picnic areas. It's a versatile space that hosts social gatherings, birthday parties, weddings, and graduations. The park also contains sculptures and art installations that pay homage to Kurdish heritage and history. Samî Abdulrahman Park is open daily from early morning until late at night and has no entrance fee.