A new theme park inspired by Japan’s iconic “Dragon Ball” manga franchise is set to be built in Qiddiya, a luxury tourist destination located just outside Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The announcement was made by Qiddiya Investment Company on Friday.
The park, covering 500,000 square meters (125 acres), will allow fans to immerse themselves in the adventures of “Dragon Ball,” journeying from the original series to the latest installment, “Dragon Ball Super.”
“Dragon Ball,” first serialized in 1984, has become one of the best-selling manga franchises of all time, spawning numerous anime series, films, and video games. The news of the theme park comes just two weeks after the passing of the franchise’s creator, Akira Toriyama, at the age of 68, which led to an outpouring of tributes from fans and global leaders alike.
The theme park will be divided into seven themed zones, reflecting the magical dragon-containing balls that are central to the series. It will feature at least 30 rides, with a towering 70-meter (230-foot) dragon as the centerpiece of the site.
Qiddiya, currently under construction, is envisioned as an “entertainment city” and will include high-end theme parks, motorsport facilities, and a safari area. The exact opening date and construction costs for the Dragon Ball theme park have not yet been disclosed.
