Saudi Arabia announces first “Dragon Ball” theme park

• Saudi Arabia will build a theme park based on the Japanese animated Dragon Ball series.
• The park will feature a 70m dragon at its center and at least 30 rides.
• The park is set to become the world’s first attraction based on the popular media franchise.

The firm behind the project announced that Saudi Arabia will build a theme park based on the famed Japanese animated series Dragon Ball, sparking mixed reactions from fans. They stated it will feature a 70m (229.6ft) dragon at its center and at least 30 rides. The park is poised to become the world’s first such attraction based on the popular media franchise.

Some fans criticized the announcement, citing Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.

According to Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), wholly owned by the Saudi Arabian government’s investment fund, the park will cover more than half a million square meters.

The plans form part of “a long-term strategic partnership” between the QIC and Toei Animation, the Japanese producer of Dragon Ball.

The official Dragon Ball website states that the park will include a roller coaster inside the dragon modeled after Shenron, a wish-giving dragon featured in the franchise. Qiddiya, a major entertainment and tourism project being built near Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh, is overseeing the development. This initiative is part of the energy-rich nation’s plans to diversify its economy away from fossil fuels. While some Dragon Ball fans have welcomed the plans for the theme park, others on social media have questioned the decision to locate the attraction in Saudi Arabia.

Critics have targeted the country for its human rights record, treatment of women, and lack of recognition of LGBTQ+ rights.

The announcement coincides with the passing of Dragon Ball’s creator, Akira Toriyama, just weeks ago.

Toriyama passed away on 1 March at the age of 68. According to a statement on the Dragon Ball website, only his family and very few friends attended his funeral.

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