Akira Toriyama, the genius creator of Dragon Ball Z, passed away earlier this month on March 1, and if you grew up in the ’90s to early ’00s, then his work will undoubtedly have shaped your childhood. So what better way to honour one of the greatest creatives of all time with a Dragon Ball inspired theme park in Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya City? Because let’s face it, if you’re reading this, you’ll undoubtedly be familiar with the feeling of frustration that no matter how angry you got, never once did your hair light up like a blonde Christmas tree, turning you full Super-Saiyan mode. But perhaps this new theme park will get one you step closer to unleashing your own kame-hame-ha!
Embedded with Qiddiya City (which is in the midst of creating the most insane race track of all time), this first of its kind anime themed park will span more than half a million square meters, breathing life into some of the most iconic animated characters and storylines ever brought to screen.
Inspired by the 7 legendary Dragon Balls, visitors can navigate 7 distinctively themed zones within the park, thrusting 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.
In a groundbreaking announcement, Qiddiya has teamed up with Toei Animation, the esteemed creators of the Dragon Ball universe, to elevate, preserve, and personify this historical franchise like never before.
“We are pleased to be partnering with Toei Animation, bringing their rich legacy of pioneering contributions to the anime industry to Qiddiya City,” said Abdullah Aldawood, Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company said. “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.”
“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,” said Katsuhiro Takagi, President of Toei Animation. “The reveal of the world’s only Dragon Ball theme park is a testament to the timeless legacy of the Dragon Ball franchise.”
An official opening date has yet to be released, so keep your eyes and ears locked in for updates.
And if you needed any more nostalgic triggers, here’s a clip from a recent live stage performance in China that looks, surprisingly, awesome.
Hair gel, anyone?