Saudi Arabia Plans Dragon Ball Theme Park, Draws Mixed Reactions
Saudi Arabia has announced plans to construct a theme park inspired by the iconic Japanese anime series Dragon Ball, triggering a wave of excitement and criticism among fans worldwide.
The theme park, touted to be the world’s first of its kind, will boast a towering 70-meter dragon at its heart and offer over 30 exhilarating rides, according to the project’s developers.
Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), a Saudi government-backed entity, revealed that the park will sprawl across more than half a million square meters as part of the sprawling entertainment complex near Riyadh, known as Qiddiya.
In a strategic collaboration with Toei Animation, the Japanese studio behind Dragon Ball, the park aims to bring to life the beloved characters and adventures from the acclaimed franchise. Among its attractions, a roller coaster modelled after Shenron, the wish-granting dragon, promises to be a thrilling highlight.
While many fans have welcomed the prospect of immersing themselves in the world of Dragon Ball, others have voiced concerns over Saudi Arabia’s human rights track record and treatment of LGBTQ+ rights.
The announcement coincidentally follows the recent passing of Akira Toriyama, the revered creator of Dragon Ball, who died at the age of 68. His death sparked widespread tributes from fans worldwide, underscoring the enduring impact of his creation, which first debuted in 1984.
Despite the mixed reactions, the Dragon Ball theme park signifies Saudi Arabia’s ambitious efforts to diversify its economy and establish itself as a global hub for entertainment and tourism beyond its traditional reliance on fossil fuels.
As plans for the park take shape, it remains to be seen how fans and critics will respond to this fusion of Japanese pop culture and Saudi Arabian investment in the evolving landscape of global entertainment.
