The Launch of the First Dragon Ball Theme Park in Saudi Arabia
The Qiddiya Investment Company has revealed plans to launch the first-ever Dragon Ball theme park in Qiddiya, Saudi Arabia.
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The Qiddiya Investment Company’s announcement marks a significant milestone as the park will become the world’s inaugural theme park dedicated to the Dragon Ball franchise.
Spanning an expansive area of 500,000 square meters, the park will offer visitors over 30 rides inspired by the Dragon Ball series, a Japanese cultural phenomenon known for its comics, movies, and video games.
The story of Goku, a martial artist from the franchise, which debuted in Japan in 1984, has captivated audiences globally for 40 years, leading to its widespread popularity through various media.
This groundbreaking project aims to position Saudi Arabia as a leading destination for tourism and entertainment, aligning with the country’s broader strategy.
A Preview of Attractions and Innovations
The Dragon Ball theme park will feature seven unique zones and include exceptional attractions, such as a dragon-shaped rollercoaster reaching heights of 70 meters. Additionally, themed hotels and dining experiences will engage visitors in the Dragon Ball universe.
Qiddiya’s ambitious plans don’t stop here; they include launching a series of high-profile entertainment ventures such as a motorsports track, a concert stadium located on a cliff, a first-of-its-kind gaming district, the fastest rollercoaster reaching speeds of 251 kmph, and the largest waterpark in the Middle East.
These initiatives follow a strategic partnership with Toei Animation, the original animators of Dragon Ball, emphasizing a mutual goal to bring the animated world to life and expand their collaboration.
Abdullah Aldawood, the Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company, expressed excitement about partnering with Toei Animation, highlighting the Dragon Ball theme park as a celebration of anime’s rich and diverse culture.
He envisions the park as a pioneering venture that embodies the “power of play” philosophy, promising a slew of diverse and world-class entertainment options.
Katsuhiro Takagi, president of Toei Animation, regards this collaboration as a significant achievement, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the Dragon Ball adventure uniquely available in Saudi Arabia.
This venture not only honors the Dragon Ball legacy but also solidifies Qiddiya City’s reputation as a global hub for innovative and playful experiences, underscoring the importance of play in fostering cognitive, emotional, and social growth, as well as cultural understanding and social harmony.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Americans now think they need at least $1.25 million for retirement, a 20% increase from a year ago, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual
Villa prices saw particularly strong growth, with capital values increasing by 33.4 percent year-on-year
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Dubai’s real estate market showed strong performance in the second quarter of 2024, with notable increases across the residential, office, and retail sectors, according to a new ValuStrat real estate report for Q2 2024.
Villa prices experienced particularly strong growth, with capital values rising by 33.4 percent year-on-year.
Haider Tuaima, Director and Head of Real Estate Research at ValuStrat said: “The Dubai real estate market has shown impressive growth and resilience in recent months. The ValuStrat Price Index for Residential Capital Values increased by 6.4 percent quarterly and 28.2 percent annually, reaching 178.2 points.
“Despite severe flooding caused by record rainfalls in April, the quick and effective response from developers and authorities helped to control the damage, ensuring that market activity and property valuations remained robust in the subsequent months.”
The office sector also performed well, with the VPI for office capital values surging by 31.7 percent annually and 9.4 percent quarterly, reaching 212.5 points—the highest quarterly increase in a decade.
In the retail sector, Emaar Properties reported 98 percent occupancy in their prime mall assets, while overall mall occupancy stood at 96 percent during the first quarter of 2024. The hospitality sector also saw growth, with total international guests reaching 8.12 million as of May 2024, a 9.9 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Hotel occupancy reached 81 percent, rising by 1.4 percent year-on-year.
Despite these positive indicators, Tuaima added, “The decline in transaction volumes calls for a closer examination of market dynamics as stakeholders navigate this evolving landscape.”
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Americans now think they need at least $1.25 million for retirement, a 20% increase from a year ago, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual
