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World’s Only Dragon Ball Theme Park Launched in Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya City

This never-seen-before anime theme park is set to become a jaw-dropping spectacle, spanning more than half a million square meters, bringing to life the most iconic storylines, moments, and characters across all Dragon Ball sagas. (SPA)
This never-seen-before anime theme park is set to become a jaw-dropping spectacle, spanning more than half a million square meters, bringing to life the most iconic storylines, moments, and characters across all Dragon Ball sagas. (SPA)
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World’s Only Dragon Ball Theme Park Launched in Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya City

This never-seen-before anime theme park is set to become a jaw-dropping spectacle, spanning more than half a million square meters, bringing to life the most iconic storylines, moments, and characters across all Dragon Ball sagas. (SPA)
This never-seen-before anime theme park is set to become a jaw-dropping spectacle, spanning more than half a million square meters, bringing to life the most iconic storylines, moments, and characters across all Dragon Ball sagas. (SPA)

The Board of Directors of the Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) announced on Friday the launch of Dragon Ball theme park, as it continues to set new standards in the entertainment industry, offering anime fans, families, and entertainment seekers an immersive journey into the iconic Dragon Ball universe.

Nestled within Saudi Arabia’s 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 meters, bringing to life the most iconic storylines, moments, and characters across all sagas.

Inspired by the seven legendary Dragon Balls, visitors can navigate seven 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.

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”.

The anime theme park offers over 30 rides with five groundbreaking attractions, accessible to everyone, pushing the boundaries of ride experiences. A flagship attraction located at the center of the park has a rollercoaster passing through a massive 70 m Shenron landmark.

Visitors will also have the option to stay at themed in-park hotels and build long-lasting memories with family and friends while indulging in exotic cuisines inside towering structures, where one day can never be enough.

The announcement comes after Qiddiya entered into a long-term strategic partnership with Toei Animation, Japan‘s leading animation company and original animators of Dragon Ball. The partnership aims to preserve and elevate the franchise, with a shared vision to fulfill visitor’s dreams of bringing Dragon Ball to the real world and will pave the way for Qiddiya and Toei Animation to broaden their existing collaboration.

Commenting on the launch, Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company Abdullah Aldawood said: “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,” he added.

“This announcement only marks the beginning of many promising projects. The theme park embraces the City’s power of play philosophy, and solidifies our commitment to provide world-class entertainment, as a global leader in groundbreaking and diverse attractions,” he stressed.

Katsuhiro Takagi, president of Toei Animation, said: “Our collaboration with Qiddiya marks a key milestone, offering fans a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the epic adventures of Dragon Ball first-hand in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The reveal of the world's only Dragon Ball theme park is a testament to the timeless legacy of the Dragon Ball franchise.”

Dragon Ball theme park will further cement Qiddiya City’s position as the worldwide capital of play. The play concept leverages decades of research showing that play is vital for human cognitive development, emotional expression, social skills, creativity, and physical health. Studies have demonstrated the positive effects of recreational activities on society, their ability to bridge differences between cultures, and bolster levels of empathy and social cohesion.

The unveiling of the Dragon Ball theme park follows the launch of Qiddiya City's world-first multi-use Gaming and Esports District, the high-tech Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium and Speed Park Track. More announcements from Qiddiya are due in the coming weeks.

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Entertainment

Former Child Actor Daveigh Chase, 'The Ring' Villain and Lilo Voice, Dies at 35

FILE - Actor Daveigh Chase poses at the Season 5 premiere of HBO series "Big Love," in Los Angeles on Jan. 12, 2011. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File)
FILE - Actor Daveigh Chase poses at the Season 5 premiere of HBO series "Big Love," in Los Angeles on Jan. 12, 2011. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File)
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Former Child Actor Daveigh Chase, 'The Ring' Villain and Lilo Voice, Dies at 35

FILE - Actor Daveigh Chase poses at the Season 5 premiere of HBO series "Big Love," in Los Angeles on Jan. 12, 2011. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File)
FILE - Actor Daveigh Chase poses at the Season 5 premiere of HBO series "Big Love," in Los Angeles on Jan. 12, 2011. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File)

Former child actor Daveigh Chase, known for her youthful voice in Disney's “Lilo & Stitch” and her villainous performance in the thriller “The Ring," has died. She was 35.

Chase's father, John David Schwallier, confirmed to The New York Times she died from complications of bacterial meningitis and a blood infection. She had been homeless in Los Angeles with her boyfriend near the hospital where she died, he told the newspaper.

TMZ first reported Wednesday that Chase died Tuesday.

She voiced the lead role of Lilo in the 2002 animated film, a role she auditioned for at age 8. Years later, a Hawaiian actress was cast as Lilo for the live-action remake.

For her role as long-haired Samara in the 2002 horror film, Chase won an MTV movie award for best villain.

Chase also voiced another lead in the 2001 animated film “Spirited Away.”

She had roles in the 2001 movie “Donnie Darko” and the 2003 show “Oliver Beene,” according to internet movie database IMDb.com.

She was born in Las Vegas and raised in Albany, Oregon. In her small hometown, she began singing and dancing at age 3, according to IMDb.

Chase struggled with drugs since she was 13 years old, Schwallier said in an interview with the Times. He said his daughter was estranged from her parents, who are divorced.

Schwallier said he was in touch with Chase's boyfriend, and just before she died, arrived at the Los Angeles hospital where she was being treated.

Entertainment

‘Toy Story 5’ Tackles Tech Tensions and Tween Girl Trials

This image released by Disney shows characters Bullseye, left, and Jessie, voiced by Joan Cusack, in a scene from Disney and Pixar's "Toy Story 5." (Disney/Pixar via AP)
This image released by Disney shows characters Bullseye, left, and Jessie, voiced by Joan Cusack, in a scene from Disney and Pixar's "Toy Story 5." (Disney/Pixar via AP)
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‘Toy Story 5’ Tackles Tech Tensions and Tween Girl Trials

This image released by Disney shows characters Bullseye, left, and Jessie, voiced by Joan Cusack, in a scene from Disney and Pixar's "Toy Story 5." (Disney/Pixar via AP)
This image released by Disney shows characters Bullseye, left, and Jessie, voiced by Joan Cusack, in a scene from Disney and Pixar's "Toy Story 5." (Disney/Pixar via AP)

For actor Joan Cusack, who voices the animated cowgirl Jessie in Disney's “Toy Story 5,” it was important that the film tell a different kind of story — one centered on the experiences of girls.

“I mean, we’re half the population,” she told Reuters.

Cusack emphasized the value of stories told from a female perspective, saying they bring a distinct emotional depth.

“Girl stories are great because they offer a different point of view. If you do it well, there’s real emotion in it. I think it’s real,” the “Working Girl” actor added.

Alongside Cusack, franchise veterans Tom Hanks and Tim Allen return as the toys Woody and Buzz Lightyear.

In the latest installment, the toys confront a ⁠new threat: the rise ⁠of electronics, which increasingly replace them in children’s lives.

At the center is Bonnie, a little girl who feels pressured to swap her toys for a high-tech tablet called Lilypad, voiced by Greta Lee, in order to fit in with a judgmental group from her dance class.

The conflict sparks an emotional journey for Jessie as she supports Bonnie while questioning her own place in a tech-driven world.

“Toy Story 5,” directed by Andrew Stanton and co-written by Stanton and Kenna ⁠Harris, is the fifth installment in Pixar’s popular franchise and a sequel to "Toy Story 4," which was directed by Josh Cooley.

The film is projected to deliver the franchise’s strongest domestic box office debut, with an opening weekend estimated between $150 million and $175 million, according to Paul Dergarabedian, head of media analytics at Rentrak, a global measurement and research company serving the entertainment industry.

Daniel Loria, senior vice president of content strategy and editorial director at Boxoffice Pro, similarly forecasts an opening in the $150 million to $175 million range. He said "Toy Story 5" could become one of the highest-grossing films of 2026 and potentially surpass $500 million domestically, marking a new franchise record.

The franchise is vital to Disney, which relies on the popularity of its stories and characters to bring ⁠visitors to its theme ⁠parks, sell merchandise and watch its Disney+ streaming service.

The "Toy Story" films have brought in about $3 billion in global box office, according to Rentrak.

Tim Allen said he was surprised by how deeply the film affected him when he first watched it.
“This was horrifying to watch as an adult,” he told Reuters, explaining that the film’s themes of bullying struck an emotional chord for him as a father of girls.

For Tom Hanks, the franchise’s lasting appeal lies in the toys’ compassion for one another.
“Being part of this ensemble - friends who will do anything for each other whenever they are needed - that’s powerful,” the two-time Academy Award winner said.

“There’s no jealousy. There might be confusion, but there is always care for one another. And the fact that this is Jessie’s story, and she reaches out and says, ‘I need your help,’ we are right there.”

"Toy Story 5" arrives in theaters on Friday.

Entertainment

British Presenter Jeremy Clarkson Reveals He Has Cancer on TV Show

Horse Racing - Cheltenham Festival - Cheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham, Britain - March 13, 2026 Television presenter Jeremy Clarkson ahead of the races. (Action Images via Reuters)
Horse Racing - Cheltenham Festival - Cheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham, Britain - March 13, 2026 Television presenter Jeremy Clarkson ahead of the races. (Action Images via Reuters)
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British Presenter Jeremy Clarkson Reveals He Has Cancer on TV Show

Horse Racing - Cheltenham Festival - Cheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham, Britain - March 13, 2026 Television presenter Jeremy Clarkson ahead of the races. (Action Images via Reuters)
Horse Racing - Cheltenham Festival - Cheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham, Britain - March 13, 2026 Television presenter Jeremy Clarkson ahead of the races. (Action Images via Reuters)

British television presenter Jeremy Clarkson, ‌best known for hosting the "Top Gear" motoring show, has revealed that he had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer.

Clarkson, 66, one of Britain's most popular and high-profile TV figures, made the disclosure during filming for his Amazon documentary show "Clarkson's Farm" for episodes which were broadcast on Wednesday.

"I’ve got cancer," Clarkson tells two of the show's other main characters in a scene filmed last year. "I had a medical, remember, back in May? I disappeared off the other week and I had a biopsy ‌and it ‌is cancer, and it’s aggressive."

Clarkson said the ‌disease ⁠had been caught "really ⁠early" and he had since had an operation to remove 10% of his prostate.

"If I hadn’t have got myself checked out and they hadn’t caught the problem early, this could well have been my last harvest," he said. "It’s only because they did catch it early, there’s every hope that I’ll be harvesting ⁠this farm for many, many years to come."

Ahead ‌of the episodes' broadcast, Clarkson ‌posted a video on Instagram on Tuesday, saying they were a "difficult watch".

"Ordinarily, ‌we try to keep the show bucolic, charming, and cheerful," ‌he said. "But the final two episodes, which drop in the middle of the night tonight, are ... they're none of those things, really. They're a difficult watch.

"They're really, really difficult."

Clarkson, who has cultivated a ‌reputation for being controversial, gained worldwide fame as presenter of the BBC's "Top Gear" show but lost ⁠his job ⁠after he punched a member of the production team in 2015.

He moved to Amazon where he made a new car show with his old show's co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May, and subsequently began making the successful "Clarkson's Farm", which chronicles his often haphazard attempts to run the farm he owns in central England.

"I don't know what's going to happen. But look, what I wanted to say was: if this is all successful, I’ll see you for season six," he says from a hospital bed at the end of the final show of the latest series. "And if it isn’t, I won’t. Take care, everyone."