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Saudi Arabia’s mega-investment into its tourism and attractions industry continues with the kingdom announcing plans to open a world-first Dragon Ball theme park in Qiddiya City
Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 25 Mar 2024
The Dragon Ball theme park will be centred around a 70m-high model of the mythical dragon Shenron Credit: Bird Studio/Toei Animation
Saudi Arabia continues to utilise major IPs in its ongoing tourism push, with the latest announcement seeing the world’s only Dragon Ball-themed park making its way to Qiddiya.
Saudi Arabia has been making major investments into its tourism sector in recent years, with a host of IPs such as Transformers, WWE and Warner Bros Discovery all making their way to the kingdom for major attractions projects.
Now the iconic Dragon Ball series will join the fray, with fans of the anime franchise able to take in an entire theme park experience for the first time.
Announced by the Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), the park will cover more than 500,000sq m (5.3 million sq ft) and will feature seven zones, each inspired by the seven Dragon Balls the series takes its name from.
In the park, guests will visit landmarks from the series, such as Kame House, Capsule Corporation and Beerus’ Planet, with more than 30 rides and five other attractions that QIC says are accessible to everyone and will “push the boundaries of ride experiences”.
In the park’s centre, a rollercoaster features as the anchor attraction, with the ride passing through a 70m (230ft) model of Shenron - the magical dragon from the series.
In addition to the theme park itself, the wider project will also feature themed hotels offering accommodation and “exotic cuisines” in a Dragon Ball setting.
The announcement follows that of Qiddiya entering a long-term strategic partnership with Toei Animation, Japan‘s leading animation company and original animators of the Dragon Ball franchise. According to QIC, the partnership “aims to preserve and elevate” the franchise, with a shared vision “to fulfil visitor’s dreams of bringing Dragon Ball to the real world”.
“Our collaboration with Qiddiya marks a key milestone, offering fans a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the epic adventures of Dragon Ball first-hand in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Katsuhiro Takagi, president of Toei Animation. “The reveal of the world's only Dragon Ball theme park is a testament to the timeless legacy of the Dragon Ball franchise.”
Qiddiya is attempting to position itself as “the worldwide capital of play”, with the destination also set to be home to a multi-use gaming and e-sports district, the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium and Speed Park Track, as well as a US$750m waterpark and the groundbreaking Six Flags Qiddiya, which will feature the tallest, fastest and longest rollercoaster in the world among its attractions.
“We are pleased to be partnering with Toei Animation, bringing their rich legacy of pioneering contributions to the anime industry to Qiddiya City,” said Abdullah Aldawood, managing director of Qiddiya Investment Company.
“Dragon Ball theme park is a celebration of the diverse and vibrant world of anime, offering a unique blend of thrills, family-friendly attractions, and immersive entertainment for everyone.”
Theme park
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