Saudi’s Qiddiya City to build world-first Dragon Ball theme park

Qiddiya City, which is 40 minutes outside Riyadh, will be the destination for the world’s first and only theme park dedicated to the popular Japanese anime series Dragon Ball. 

Over the weekend, Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) and Japan’s Toei Animation announced plans for the 500,000 square metre project which will feature rides and attractions in seven areas, inspired by the anime series’ “seven Dragon Balls”.

Visitors will be able to experience the “historic journey from the first Dragon Ball series to the latest Dragon Ball Super”, the companies said in a joint statement. The unveiling of the theme park follows the launch of Qiddiya City’s gaming and esports district.

“We are pleased to be partnering with Toei Animation, bringing their rich legacy of pioneering contributions to the anime industry to Qiddiya City. Dragon Ball theme park is a celebration of the diverse and vibrant world of anime, offering a unique blend of thrills, family-friendly attractions, and immersive entertainment for everyone,” said Abdullah Aldawood, managing director of Qiddiya Investment Company. 

Katsuhiro Takagi, the president of Toei Animation, further added that the “Dragon Ball theme park is a testament to the timeless legacy of the Dragon Ball franchise.”

Toei Animation’s Dragon Ball has become one of the most successful manga and anime series of all time, with the television series having been broadcast in more than 80 countries since it started in 1984.

The series follows the adventures of Goku, a young boy with a monkey tail and exceptional strength who battles evil-doers in hand-to-hand combat.

Nestled within Qiddiya City, just 40 minutes from Riyadh, this never-seen-before anime theme park is set to become a jaw-dropping spectacle, spanning more than half a million square metres, bringing to life the most iconic storylines, moments, and characters across all sagas.

Inspired by the 7 legendary Dragon Balls, visitors can navigate 7 distinctively themed zones within the park, catapulting guests into the heart of the anime action to experience the historic journey from the first Dragon Ball series to the latest Dragon Ball Super. 

Founded in 1956, Toei Animation has produced more than 13,700 episodes of TV series (among 236 titles) in addition to 268 long feature films.

Future Qiddiya City attraction

It’s not clear when construction will start on the development as Qiddiya City and Toei Animation have not revealed timelines. However, the companies have said that upon completion of the project “park-goers can embark on a journey and immerse themselves in interactive and explorable landmarks from the Dragon Ball sagas, such as ‘Kame House’, ‘Capsule Corporation’ and ‘Beerus’ Planet’.”

READ MORE: Qiddiya City megaproject brand unveiled by Saudi Crown Prince

Moreover, the theme park is set to offer over 30 rides. Visitors will also be able to stay at in-park hotels. 

Qiddiya is one of Saudi Arabia’s giga-projects part of its Vision 2030 ambitions. Qiddiya’s first development will be Qiddiya City, which will be “dedicated to play and an epicentre of entertainment, sports and culture, welcoming Saudi nationals, residents, and tourists alike”.