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.



Jon M. Chu’s Immersive ‘Wicked’ Readies for Release

US singer and actor Ariana Grande (L) and British actor and singer Cynthia Erivo (R) on the green carpet at the UK premiere of "'Wicked" at the Royal Festival Hall in London, Britain, 18 November 2024. (EPA)
US singer and actor Ariana Grande (L) and British actor and singer Cynthia Erivo (R) on the green carpet at the UK premiere of "'Wicked" at the Royal Festival Hall in London, Britain, 18 November 2024. (EPA)
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Jon M. Chu’s Immersive ‘Wicked’ Readies for Release

US singer and actor Ariana Grande (L) and British actor and singer Cynthia Erivo (R) on the green carpet at the UK premiere of "'Wicked" at the Royal Festival Hall in London, Britain, 18 November 2024. (EPA)
US singer and actor Ariana Grande (L) and British actor and singer Cynthia Erivo (R) on the green carpet at the UK premiere of "'Wicked" at the Royal Festival Hall in London, Britain, 18 November 2024. (EPA)

The worldwide premiere tour for "Wicked" landed in London on Monday for a final outing ahead of the musical film's release, with director Jon M. Chu saying he hopes audiences will be moved by the spectacle.

The London leg of the tour, with previous stops in Sydney, Los Angeles, Mexico City and New York, was called "Emerald City," and featured a green carpet flanked with decorations inspired by the capital city of the Land of Oz.

Under a persistent drizzle, lead actors Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo and their co-stars Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum and Ethan Slater greeted screaming fans.

Chu was happy to soak in the atmosphere after missing the Los Angeles premiere due to the birth of his fifth child.

"It's a lot of emotions. We've worked many years on this movie. I worked just a little bit on the baby. To have them come out at the same time, that has to be a sign from somewhere to say that this movie is blessed," he said in an interview.

"Wicked" is based on Stephen Schwartz's musical of the same name, adapted from the 1995 book by Gregory Maguire. It tells the story of the green-skinned young woman Elphaba (Erivo) who goes on to become the Wicked Witch of the West from the classic children's novel "The Wizard of Oz".

Pop star Grande plays the privileged and popular Glinda whom Elphaba befriends at university.

"This is Wizard of Oz, this is Oz. It's iconic in cinematic history. We didn't want to disappoint," said Chu.

"We wanted to immerse people in the Land of Oz. We wanted to make you touch it and feel it in ways that you haven't been able to do. We wanted to make a big spectacle on the scale of 'Ben-Hur' and 'Lawrence of Arabia'."

The second installment of the two-part film series is slated for release in November 2025.

"We've shot part two. I'm cutting it right now, and it's a doozy. It's very exciting. If you like part one, get ready for a whole new ride!" Chu promised.

"Wicked" begins its global cinematic rollout on Nov. 20.