RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has announced the creation of the world’s first Dragon Ball Z theme park. Spanning 5.3 million square feet, this park is the latest addition to the ambitious Qiddiya project near Riyadh.

The park will immerse visitors in the universe of the beloved Japanese anime, featuring seven themed areas, over 30 rides—including five global exclusives—and multiple hotels and restaurants. The highlight is the ‘Shenron’ roller coaster, towering at 230 feet and named after the anime’s iconic dragon.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the kingdom to invest heavily in entertainment, partnering with Toei Animation and the MiSK foundation to produce anime movies. The Public Investment Fund, with assets worth $925 billion, is also a major shareholder in Nintendo, signaling a deep investment in gaming and anime culture.

Qiddiya City, envisioned as a sprawling entertainment hub, will offer over 400 attractions like golf courses, theme parks, and a Six Flags, aiming to attract 600,000 residents and millions of visitors each year. Under Vision 2030, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom targets 150 million tourists annually by the end of the decade, building on a record 106 million visitors in 2023.