A Dragon Ball theme park is fast becoming a reality.
Just weeks after the death of Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama, the construction of the world’s first dedicated theme park inspired by the Japanese franchise was confirmed in a joint announcement from the Qiddiya Investment Company and Toei Animation in March 2024.
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What To Expect From The World’s First ‘Dragon Ball’ Theme Park
Like the series, the Dragon Ball theme park will be inspired by the world of Son Goku – a young boy with supernatural martial arts powers who embarks upon a quest to secure seven magical orbs known as the Dragon Balls. The park will span over 500,000 square meters and will feature seven different lands recreating iconic anime locations such as Kame House, Capsule Corporation, and Beerus’s Planet.
Across these lands, parkgoers can look forward to over 30 attractions, including five state-of-the-art rides and Dragon Ball hotels and restaurants. One of these rides is a centerpiece roller coaster inspired by Shenron, a 70-meter-high mythical dragon in the franchise who will grant a wish to anyone who collects all seven Dragon Balls.
“At the park, visitors will be able to join an adventure with Goku and pals as they enjoy the world of Dragon Ball, from the very beginning of the anime all the way up through Dragon Ball Super!” the park’s official announcement reads.
While there have been rumors of a Dragon Ball theme park for years, many had assumed it would be located in Japan. However, the park will instead form a part of Qiddiya in Saudi Arabia – a megaproject set to eventually be bigger than Walt Disney World Resort. According to Saudi anime production and distribution company Manga Productions, both manga and anime are growing increasingly popular across the Kingdom.
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Dragon Ball first launched as a manga comic series in Japan’s Weekly Shonen Jump in 1984. It’s since been adapted into movies, video games, and TV shows, building a worldwide fandom that went into mourning last year after its creator died at the age of 68 from an acute subdural hematoma, a type of bleeding near the brain.
The theme park inspired by his legacy will join Six Flags Qiddiya – the first Six Flags theme park outside North America, which will include the fastest, longest, and tallest roller coaster in the world – approximately 40 minutes outside Riyadh. While Six Flags Qiddiya is currently under construction, both opening and construction dates for the Dragon Ball theme park have yet to be announced.
Other Theme Parks Heading to the Middle East
Beyond Six Flags and Dragon Ball, there will be much more theme park fun in the Middle East in the coming years.
Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN) is opening the world’s first indoor Transformers centres in Saudi Arabia. The inaugural venue in Riyadh’s Al Hamra will include immersive rides, branded retail, and dining.
Meanwhile, Disneyland Abu Dhabi, officially confirmed on Yas Island, will be Disney’s first Middle East resort and seventh globally. Designed by Walt Disney Imagineering and built by Miral, this fully indoor park promises “authentically Disney, distinctly Emirati” storytelling. No opening date yet, but stay tuned for updates.
What would you like to see from a Dragon Ball theme park? Let us know in the comments!
The post Details Revealed About World’s First ‘Dragon Ball’ Theme Park appeared first on Inside the Magic.
