World's first 'Dragon Ball' theme park planned for Saudi Arabia
Dragon Ball fans are bound for more fun and adventure, as the world-famous franchise is set to open its first theme park in Saudi Arabia.
Franchise owner Toei Animation made the announcement on Friday, March 22, describing the theme park as one that will create Dragon World where the tale of magical artist Son Goku and his friends take place.
According to the Japanese animation studio, the massive project spans 500,000 square meters which is more than twice the size of Disney World in Florida. It will be developed by Qiddiya Investment Company near Saudi Arabia's capital of Riyadh.
The world's first Dragon Ball theme park will feature seven different areas that will bring to life iconic locations from the anime, including the House, Capsule Corporation, and Beerus’s Planet.
In it, fans can expect to enjoy five "state-of-the-art rides" that are part of attractions that total more than 30. Adding more excitement to the experience are Dragon Ball-themed hotels and restaurants.
Dragon Ball is a masterpiece by manga artist Akira Toriyama which was first published in Japan’s Weekly Shonen Jump comic magazine in 1984. It later grew into a global franchise comprising numerous anime spin-offs, movies, and video games distributed in over 80 countries.
The latest addition to its expansive lineup is an anime titled Dragon Ball DAIMA which commemorates the franchise's 40th anniversary. It is slated for release later this year.
Meanwhile, the announcement of the Dragon Ball theme park comes just weeks after Toriyama died on March 1 at the age of 68. His studio said that the artist suffered bleeding near the brain called acute subdural hematoma. Fans paid tribute to the beloved artist with clips and messages that dubbed him "an inspiration to all other anime/manga."