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.



Four-song EP by Late Singer Faithfull to Be Released in April

Faithfull performed at the Bataclan concert hall in Paris in 2016. FRANCOIS GUILLOT / AFP
Faithfull performed at the Bataclan concert hall in Paris in 2016. FRANCOIS GUILLOT / AFP
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Four-song EP by Late Singer Faithfull to Be Released in April

Faithfull performed at the Bataclan concert hall in Paris in 2016. FRANCOIS GUILLOT / AFP
Faithfull performed at the Bataclan concert hall in Paris in 2016. FRANCOIS GUILLOT / AFP

A new four-song EP by British singer and actor Marianne Faithfull, who died in January, is to be released in April, with the title track out on Friday, her family announced.
"As we grieve the loss of Marianne, we are pleased to announce the release of these songs which she worked on during the year before her death," said her son Nicholas Dunbar.
"Marianne lived to create and perform music –- it was her driving force and she never stopped. Right up until the end she was looking forward to this release which now completes and celebrates her remarkable artistic career."
Faithfull was an icon of Swinging Sixties culture and was known for her tempestuous relationship with Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger, said AFP.
The "Burning Moonlight" EP will be released as a limited-edition vinyl on April 12 and worldwide digitally on June 6.
The EP was originally due to be revealed in February but the announcement was put on hold following the singer's death on January 30.
"We decided to bring the music full circle. One side of the EP would be inspired by her debut pop LP 'Marianne Faithfull' while the flip would honor her folk roots on 'Come My Way'," said the EP's executive producer Andrew Batt.
The title song, available from Friday, is described as a "moving ballad of resilience and acceptance".
"It's a good time to look back," Faithfull said after completing the project, according to the press release.
"It helps me to remember all the things I've done. I can't say I'm a particularly nostalgic person, but I am enjoying this period of reflection."
The singer got her first break in 1964, after being discovered by Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham.
Her first hit "As Tears Go By" written by Jagger and his fellow Rolling Stone Keith Richards, was followed with a string of successful singles, including "Come And Stay with Me", "This Little Bird" and "Summer Nights".
She also acted in films including "The Girl on a Motorcycle" and theatre productions.
She fell on hard times that included living in a squat and a heroin addiction following the end of her relationship with Jagger in 1970.
But she returned with the classic album "Broken English" in 1979 and later reinvented herself as a jazz and blues singer with 1987's critically acclaimed "Strange Weather".