Refile: World's first 'Dragon Ball' theme park to be built in Saudi Arabia

Bandai Namco Holdings

22/03/2024 07:20

(Changes build to built in headline)
       TOKYO, March 22 (Reuters) - The world's first theme park
devoted to the "Dragon Ball" universe of comics, movies, and
games will be built in Saudi Arabia, the franchise owner said on
Friday.
    The park, centred around the world of magical martial artist
Goku and friends, will be part of the Qiddiya Investment
Company's project near Riyadh, according to a release.  
    The 500,000 metre project will feature rides and attractions
in seven areas inspired by the series along with hotels and
restaurants.
    "Dragon Ball" was first serialised in Japan's Weekly Shonen
Jump comic magazine in 1984 before being adapted into movies,
video games and TV shows distributed in more than 80 countries. 
    Its creator, Japanese manga comic creator Akira Toriyama,
died this month at age 68, prompting eulogies and memorials from
fans around the world.
    Saudi Arabia is trying to diversify its hydrocarbon-based
economy with a number of entertainment-related mega projects.
Qiddiya is being built on a site more than double the size of
Florida's Disney World and is planned to include a Six Flags
roller coaster theme park as well.

 (Reporting by Rocky Swift. Editing by Gerry Doyle)
 ((rocky.swift@thomsonreuters.com;))