Saudi Arabia’s announcement of creating a theme park based on the famed Japanese animated series Dragon Ball sparked mixed reactions from fans.
Saudi Arabia has announced that it will create a theme park based on the popular Japanese cartoon series Dragon Ball, prompting conflicting comments from fans.
According to the company behind the project, it will have a 70-meter (229.6-foot) dragon in the centre and at least 30 rides,
The park would be the world’s first attraction based on a major cultural series.
Fans criticised the announcement, pointing to Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.
According to Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), which is completely owned by the Saudi government’s investment fund, the park would encompass more than 500,000 square metres.
The plans are part of “a long-term strategic partnership” between the QIC and Toei Animation, the Japanese producer of Dragon Ball.
According to the official Dragon Ball website, the park will include a roller coaster inside the dragon modelled after Shenron, a wish-giving dragon that features in the franchise.
Qiddiya is a major entertainment and tourism project being built near Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh.
It is part of the energy-rich nation’s plans to diversify its economy away from fossil fuels.
While some Dragon Ball fans have welcomed the plans for the theme park, others on social media have questioned the decision to locate the attraction in Saudi Arabia.
The country has been criticised for its human rights record, treatment of women and lack of recognition of LGBTQ+ rights.
The announcement comes just weeks after the death of Dragon Ball’s creator, Akira Toriyama.
Toriyama died on March 1, aged 68. Only his family and very few friends attended his funeral, according to a statement on the Dragon Ball website.
Fans worldwide paid tribute to Toriyama for creating characters that have become a part of their lives.
The Dragon Ball comic series debuted in 1984. It follows a boy named Son Goku in his quest to collect magical dragon balls that can give him superpowers.
It is one of the most influential and best-selling Japanese comics ever.
