Saudi Arabia is set to welcome a groundbreaking theme park inspired by the iconic Japanese animated series Dragon Ball. The news comes just weeks after the series creator Akira Toriyama died on March 1.
The new project is set to breathe life into the epic adventures of Goku and the Z warriors as they defend Earth against formidable adversaries, marking the world’s inaugural Dragon Ball-themed amusement park.This ambitious endeavor is spearheaded by the Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), a wholly-owned entity of the Saudi Arabian government’s investment fund, in collaboration with Toei Animation, the esteemed Japanese producer of Dragon Ball.
Envisioned as an immersive journey alongside protagonist Son Goku and his comrades, the Dragon Ball theme park will sprawl over 500,000 square meters (5.4 million square feet) and boast more than 30 captivating attractions. It will be segmented into seven distinct zones, each meticulously crafted to replicate iconic locales from the original series, such as the renowned Kame House, Capsule Corporation, and Beerus’ Planet. Among the park’s highlights are 30 exhilarating rides and 5 major attractions, including the adrenaline-pumping Shenron rollercoaster, modeled after the wish-granting dragon central to the franchise. Drawing inspiration from the legendary Dragon Balls, seven thematic zones will enchant visitors, who can also indulge in delectable culinary offerings from the Dragon Ball universe and opt for accommodations in themed hotels.
Qiddiya, situated near the capital city of Riyadh, stands as a pivotal component of Saudi Arabia’s vision for a vibrant entertainment and tourism landscape. The megaproject, initiated in 2019, has since witnessed the announcement of diverse attractions within its precincts, ranging from an e-sports and gaming district to the forthcoming Six Flags amusement park and a water park.
The passing of Toriyama on March 1, 2024, at the age of 68, reverberated across the globe, leaving behind a rich legacy that includes Dragon Ball, one of the most influential mangas of all time, and its beloved anime adaptation, Dragon Ball Z. Originally serialized in 1984, Dragon Ball has left an indelible mark on the manga landscape, inspiring a generation of artists, including Eiichiro Oda, creator of One Piece, and Masashi Kishimoto, the mastermind behind Naruto, who have acknowledged its profound influence on their own creations.
