Saudi Arabia Unveils World’s First ‘Dragon Ball’ Theme Park

Saudi Arabia is gearing up to unveil the world’s first Dragon Ball theme park as part of the Qiddiya entertainment and tourism megaproject in Riyadh, and fans of the iconic manga are eagerly awaiting their first glimpse into this exciting venture.

Qiddiya Investment Co., the real estate firm spearheading the project with backing from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, recently unveiled captivating 3D visuals of the theme park, igniting a wave of excitement across social media platforms.

Set to feature 30 exhilarating rides inspired by the iconic world of Goku and his friends, the Dragon Ball theme park promises to be a haven for fans of the beloved manga and anime series. This groundbreaking announcement comes mere weeks after the passing of Akira Toriyama, the visionary creator behind the captivating Dragon Ball universe.

Amidst the global outpouring of grief following Toriyama’s death on March 1 at the age of 68, the unveiling of the Dragon Ball theme park serves as a poignant tribute to his enduring legacy. The park, set to be located in Qiddiya, the sprawling entertainment and tourism project on the outskirts of Riyadh, represents a monumental endeavor to bring the fantastical world of Son Goku to life in an immersive and awe-inspiring setting.

Manga and anime have witnessed a surge in popularity in Saudi Arabia, with an estimated 13 million enthusiasts of the Japanese genre in the kingdom alone and approximately 85 million across the broader Arab world, as reported by Saudi anime production and distribution company Manga Productions.

Spanning over 500,000 square meters, the expansive Dragon Ball theme park will encompass seven distinct areas meticulously crafted to recreate iconic locales from the original series, including Kame House, Capsule Corporation, and Beerus’s Planet. This ambitious project is positioned to rival the scale of renowned entertainment destinations like Disney World, occupying a site more than double the size of the iconic Florida-based theme park.

Among the park’s highlights will be five state-of-the-art rides, forming part of a diverse lineup of over 30 attractions designed to captivate visitors of all ages. Additionally, Dragon Ball enthusiasts can look forward to themed hotels and restaurants, offering an immersive experience that transcends the boundaries of traditional theme park entertainment.

Originally serialized in 1984, Dragon Ball has evolved into one of the most influential and widely acclaimed manga series of all time, playing a pivotal role in popularizing the medium of manga on a global scale. With the forthcoming ‘Dragon Ball’ theme park, Saudi Arabia is poised to make an indelible mark on the world of entertainment, celebrating the enduring legacy of Akira Toriyama’s visionary creation while captivating audiences with an unforgettable experience.