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If you grew up watching Dragon Ball Z on local TV or bingeing episodes online, this one is for you. Saudi Arabia is officially bringing the Dragon Ball universe to life with the world's first Dragon Ball theme park, and it is set to be a next-level experience for anime fans.
This is not just a temporary pop-up or a single attraction inside a bigger park. It is a dedicated Dragon Ball world, created in collaboration with Toei Animation, the studio behind the original anime, and Qiddiya Investment Company, which is helping lead Saudi Arabia's bold plans for entertainment and tourism.
The upcoming Dragon Ball park will be part of Qiddiya City, an entertainment megaproject located just outside Riyadh. The site will span around 500,000 square metres, which means there is more than enough space to fully immerse yourself in the world of Goku, Vegeta, and the rest of the crew.
Inside, visitors will be able to explore seven themed zones, each inspired by one of the seven mystical Dragon Balls. Expect to see iconic locations like Kame House, Capsule Corporation, and Beerus’ Planet, all designed to look and feel like you have stepped into the anime itself.
The park will feature more than 30 rides and attractions, including five major experiences. The highlight is a giant 70 metre tall Shenron statue, which is not just a landmark but also includes a roller coaster inside it. Yes, you can actually ride inside Shenron.
For those who are more into the story and vibe than intense rides, there will also be themed restaurants, character-driven experiences, and even Dragon Ball inspired hotels. Whether you want adrenaline or nostalgia, it looks like there will be something for every kind of fan.
Image credit: Anime Lovers Kerala(ALK) | FB official page
What makes this theme park even more exciting for Filipino travellers is its inclusive and culturally respectful design. The park will offer halal dining options, prayer spaces, and family-friendly facilities, making it a comfortable destination for Muslim travellers and those seeking a culturally aware experience.
This project is a key part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, which focuses on transforming the country into a global tourism hub. Qiddiya City is at the heart of that plan, aiming to become a top destination for entertainment, culture, and adventure.
The Dragon Ball park is just the beginning. Qiddiya will also feature other world-class attractions including a Six Flags theme park, a water park, motorsports facilities, and even more anime and entertainment experiences in the future. This makes it a must-watch location for future travel bucket lists.
Of course, not everyone is onboard. While anime fans around the world are thrilled about this announcement, some have raised concerns about the ethical issues tied to Saudi Arabia’s policies. For travellers, this opens up a complex conversation about tourism and values. But from a pop culture perspective, there is no doubt that the scale of this project is something we have never seen before.
There is no official opening date just yet, but Qiddiya’s first phase is expected to launch between 2025 and 2026. That gives you time to save up and plan your future travels. If you have ever wanted to live out your anime dreams, this could be your chance.
Image credit: Anime Lovers Kerala(ALK) | FB official page
Saudi Arabia is building the first-ever Dragon Ball theme park, with immersive zones based on the anime, over 30 attractions, and a towering Shenron roller coaster. It is part of Qiddiya City, a mega entertainment project set to open in the next few years. With halal-friendly dining, themed hotels, and a strong focus on cultural inclusivity, this park could soon become a top destination for fans across Asia and beyond.
Would you visit if you had the chance? And if so, which Dragon Ball would you go looking for first?
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