In a move that intertwines pop culture nostalgia with a dash of modern geopolitics, Saudi Arabia is poised to create a mecca for fans of the iconic Japanese anime series ‘Dragon Ball’—the world’s first theme park dedicated to the adventures of Goku and his friends. Spanning an expansive half a million square meters near the Saudi capital, Riyadh, the park will plunge visitors into the ‘Dragon Ball’ universe with over 30 rides and attractions, including a towering roller coaster encapsulated within a 70-meter Shenron dragon structure.
The announcement of the ambitious project, detailed by the Qiddiya investment company, arrives shortly after the passing of Akira Toriyama, the revered creator of the ‘Dragon Ball’ franchise. While Toriyama’s legacy looms large over the endeavor, his work’s translation into a theme park represents a bold fusion of Saudi Arabia’s cultural aspirations with a global entertainment phenomenon.
Toei Animation has confirmed that the Dragon Ball park will feature seven different zones, each themed around iconic locations from the beloved series. Visitors will be able to fully immerse themselves in settings such as Kame House and Capsule Corporation, traversing the narrative from the original ‘Dragon Ball’ series through to ‘Dragon Ball Super.’ Beyond the thrilling rides, the park promises state-of-the-art accommodations including hotels and restaurants designed to offer fans a complete and all-encompassing experience.
The park is a centerpiece of the larger Qiddiya project, a cultural and entertainment city that epitomizes Saudi Arabia’s sweeping ambitions to become a global hub for entertainment, sports, and the arts. Beyond the Dragon Ball theme park, Qiddiya will feature a Six Flags park with record-breaking roller coasters, international sports arenas, and a mixed-use entertainment and sports center, among other attractions.
Toei Animation President Takagi Katsuhiro voiced his approval, stating, “I was deeply impressed by the vision of bringing the people of Saudi Arabia cutting-edge, challenging entertainment that is completely different from anything they have experienced before.” Katsuhiro’s endorsement signifies a cross-cultural collaboration that seeks to innovate and inspire through a shared love for the storied anime.
However, the decision to locate the park in Saudi Arabia has spurred controversy. Critics point to the kingdom’s human rights record, its treatment of women, and the lack of LGBTQ+ rights, with social media responses indicating that some fans, despite their love for ‘Dragon Ball,’ are hesitant to support the project due to these issues. Quotes from social media reflect the conflicted sentiments: “Sorry LGBT Dragon Ball fans, you gonna have to wait another decade or so for a second park elsewhere,” and, “As much as I love Dragon Ball, I’ll never visit Saudi Arabia.”
Relevant articles:
– First Dragon Ball theme park to be built in Saudi Arabia
– Everything we know about the world’s first Dragon Ball theme park set to open in Saudi Arabia, Yahoo News Australia, Mon, 25 Mar 2024 12:10:11 GMT
– World’s first ‘Dragon Ball’ theme park to be built in Saudi Arabia, The Japan Times, Fri, 22 Mar 2024 08:08:00 GMT
– Saudi Arabia to build world’s first Dragon Ball theme park, Travel Tomorrow, Mon, 25 Mar 2024 10:47:56 GMT