A DRAGON BALL THEME PARK IS COMING

(SPOT.ph) You might someday be able to visit the world of Dragon Ball in its very first theme park—not in Japan, but in Saudi Arabia. Yup, plans for the world's first Dragon Ball theme park have been announced as part of Saudi Arabia's massive entertainment city, Qiddiya. News of construction beginning soon came from Toei Animation, only a few weeks after the death of Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama.

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A Dragon Ball theme park is popping up in Saudi Arabia's Qiddiya

This massive park will span an incredible 500,000 square meters, with seven different zones each representing areas from the anime series. Think places like Kame House, Capsule Corporation, and Beerus' Planet. Visitors will be able to trace Goku's adventures through the different lands the theme park will have. 

And as for rides, well, get ready as Saudi Arabia promises everything state-of-the-art. There will be more than 30 attractions, with the star being a 70-meter high Shenron that contains a massive roller coaster inside. If you've ever wanted to take a ride on this wish-giving dragon, then this might just be your chance. 

There will also be hotels and restaurants in the park, so if you're a hardcore Dragon Ball fan, you'll never have to set foot outside during your trip. 

The park is part of a partnership between the Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC)—owned by the Saudi Arabian government's investment fund—and Japan's Toei Animation, the original producers of the franchise, according to a BBC report.

Also read: 10 Theme Parks Around Asia to Add to Your Bucket List

What is Saudi Arabia's Qiddiya City? 

The theme park is part of the planned Qiddiya Entertainment City, a massive undertaking by the Saudi Arabian government as it looks to diversify economic opportunities, moving the focus away from fossil fuels. 

Qiddiya is being built near the capital of Riyadh, by the Tuwaiq mountains. There will be a total of 25 distinct districts with each one focused around entertainment, sports, and culture. People will be living there too, with a goal of around 600,000 residents. An estimated 48 million visitors are expected to come yearly for the more than 400 tourist attractions planned. This city is expected to generate around 325,000 permanent jobs once built.

Apart from the Dragon Ball one, a total of 12 theme parks are on the slate for Qiddiya, including a water park and their very own Six Flags. The last  will have the fastest, longest, and tallest roller coaster in the world, according to the Qiddiya website.  

While the very first Dragon Ball theme park has people excited, the announcement was also met with mixed reactions, with some asking how Saudi Arabia's conservative culture and strict regulations will come to play in a park where people from all walks of life will want to come.

2024-03-28T08:05:32Z dg43tfdfdgfd