Dragon Ball Adventure: Saudi Arabia to Host Unique Theme Park Experience
Saudi Arabia has announced plans to construct a theme park based on the popular Japanese animated series Dragon Ball, eliciting a mix of reactions from fans. The park, touted as the world’s first of its kind, will showcase a 70-meter (229.6-foot) dragon as its centerpiece, along with a minimum of 30 rides, as revealed by the project’s organizers.
Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), wholly owned by the Saudi Arabian government’s investment fund, disclosed that the park will span over half a million square meters. The initiative stems from a strategic partnership between QIC and Toei Animation, the Japanese production company behind Dragon Ball. Among the attractions, the park will feature a roller coaster housed within a dragon structure inspired by Shenron, a revered character in the franchise known for granting wishes.
Situated near Riyadh, the Qiddiya project is a significant undertaking in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to diversify its economy beyond fossil fuels, focusing on entertainment and tourism. However, the announcement has sparked criticism from some Dragon Ball enthusiasts, who have raised concerns about Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, treatment of women, and stance on LGBTQ+ rights.
Despite the mixed reception, the news arrives shortly after the passing of Dragon Ball’s creator, Akira Toriyama, on March 1 at the age of 68. His funeral, noted for its intimate attendance limited to family and a few close friends, was a solemn affair, as conveyed on the Dragon Ball website.
Acknowledged globally for its impact, the Dragon Ball comic series made its debut in 1984, captivating audiences with the adventures of protagonist Son Goku on his quest to acquire magical dragon balls. Renowned for its enduring popularity and widespread influence, Dragon Ball remains one of the bestselling and most influential Japanese comics of all time.
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