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Shortly after the death of its creator, Akira Toriyama, Saudi Arabia has announced plans to build the world’s first Dragon Ball theme park as part of the kingdom’s extensive Qiddiya tourism project. Covering 5.3 million square feet, the entertainment venue will compose seven distinct areas inspired by the Japanese anime series, complete with over 30 themed rides, hotels, and dining options, according to a press release cited by Variety.
The park, a collaboration between the Qiddiya Investment Company and Toei Animation, aims to honor the beloved franchise created by Toriyama. Among its highlights will be five rides, including the towering Shenron roller coaster, named after the series’ mystical dragon, and other attractions inspired by Kame House, Capsule Corporation, and Beerus’s Planet. More details about the Qiddiya Dragon Ball attraction, set to be built on a site more than double the size of Florida’s Disney World, are forthcoming.
The theme park, designed to appeal to the growing fanbase of manga and anime in Saudi Arabia and the broader Arab world, aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This initiative aims to diversify the nation’s economy and enhance tourism. With the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund heavily involved in cultural and entertainment ventures, Qiddiya City is positioned to become a premier destination, offering over 400 attractions ranging from golf courses to water parks. The park would mark the world’s first such attraction based on the popular media franchise.
The announcement faced some criticism from fans, as highlighted by the BBC, due to concerns over Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, its treatment of women, and its lack of acknowledgment of LGBTQ+ rights. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is also widely considered responsible for ordering the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Toriyama, the iconic Japanese manga artist who created the popular Dragon Ball series, died of a brain condition in early March at the age of 68.
