American Firm Building ‘Disneyland’ in Baghdad.
Llewellyn Werner admits he is facing obstacles most amusement park developers never have to deal with – insurgent attacks and looting.
When you are building an amusement park in downtown Baghdad, those risks come with the territory.
Mr Werner, chairman of C3, a Los Angeles-based holding company for private equity firms, is pouring millions of dollars into developing the Baghdad Zoo and Entertainment Experience, a massive American-style amusement park that will feature a skateboard park, rides, a concert theatre and a museum. It is being designed by the firm that developed Disneyland. “The people need this kind of positive influence. It’s going to have a huge psychological impact,” Mr Werner said.
Ali al-Dabbagh, a spokesman for the Government, is equally optimistic: “There is a shortage of entertainment in the city. Cinemas can’t open. Playgrounds can’t open. The fun park is badly needed for Baghdad. Children don’t have any opportunities to enjoy their childhood.” Mr al-Dabbagh added that entry to the park would be strictly controlled.
The project will cost $500 million (£250 million) and will be managed by Iraqis. Under the terms of the lease, Mr Werner will retain exclusive rights to housing and hotel developments, which he says will be both culturally sensitive and enormously profitable. “I wouldn’t be doing this if I wasn’t making money,” he said. “I also have this wonderful sense that we’re doing the right thing”
[source:Times Online]
What a Grand Idea, isn’t it? Anything to make a buck.
April 29th, 2008 at 9:16 am
But the Americans already have an amusement park in Baghdad. it’s called the Greenzone. It’s popular for its shooting galleries.
April 29th, 2008 at 11:49 am
They are not eating bread? Give them Biscuits!!!!!!!
April 29th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Iraqis already have (paintball) fields to enjoy themselves with, why risk it by bulding smaller park.
April 29th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Why not ?
I say good for them. Let the poor Baghdadis have some entertainment since they’re not gonna have a country any time soon.
May 2nd, 2008 at 11:58 pm
i can imagine what kind of a dsineyland it will be
instead of mickey and minnie mouse they will have bush and condi welcoming people
“Remember dreams come true” fireworks spectacular presented by US army
bush the poop and friends
baghdad barbecue
finding Saddam substreet voyage
haunted mansion presenting abu greib prison
pinnochio dating journey hosted by clinton
pirates of the Arabia
and much more
to tell you the truth..they should first stop the war withdraw have a decent country rebuld the infrastructure get iraqis home..or they wont have many visitors
May 5th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Most effective way to win a war… divide the country ideologically and create a rift amongst them. Injecting American culture en masse is one of the more ingenious way to accomplish said goal.
That being said… We should bring the troops home and alow Iraq to operate its government as it sees fit.
May 13th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
DISNEYLAND
How about Diney”Australia”land?
May 13th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
*DiSney
May 21st, 2008 at 4:55 pm
i wonder if there’s any insurance company would dare to take it
May 22nd, 2008 at 2:01 am
It will be funny when the $500 million park got hit by $1 million dollar missle. That’s a lot of money that sure can go into better use.
May 23rd, 2008 at 10:09 am
hmm…
good idea to hav a disneyland in baghdad, but hope thier management can be as great as the origin.
May 23rd, 2008 at 7:19 pm
I wonder if the people on the rides will have to remove their Bomb packed vests before they ride the roller coasters?