The end of an era: Atallah Happy Land Park shuts down after 30 years
The must-visit children’s destination has officially said farewell
If you, like me, were born in or grew up in Saudi Arabia, you’ll likely have heard of (and begged your parents to take you to) Jeddah’s famous Atallah Happy Land Park.
The nostalgia-evoking, ever-present reminder of how it used to be first opened its doors 39 years ago, in 1986, making it one of the first amusement parks in Saudi Arabia.
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The iconic theme park has been the centre stage for birthdays, celebrations, and plain old fun for as long as I’ve been around (not that I’d tell you how old I am; a lady never tells).
In recent years, the Atallah Happy Land Park has hosted spooky season celebrations, ladies’ nights, and so much more. The park had a fighting spirit till the very end, I like to say, and the new improvements and events just showcase a slice of it.
Step in, and it would feel like the fun could never stop: there was always another ride, another experience, and another corn cup to have (my preferred amusement park snack).
Etched into everyone’s memory as the IT place to be, the theme park became one of the first places you felt like the world could be yours, and for those few hours, it truly was.
Located right in the heart of the city, along the Jeddah Corniche, with gorgeous, soaring views of the Red Sea, the Atallah Happy Land Park had everything from 26 rides, a premium bowling centre, an ice skating rink, air hockey tables, and billiard tables, and climbing walls to a bungee trampoline, an ultra-fast action musical dancing fountain, and a high-tech 6D theater that showcases various 3D video films.
At the end, we’re all sad to see such an icon of the past shut down, but we’d like to say a massive thank you for all the memories.
Visit: @happylandatallah
Images: Atallah Happy Land Park website
