'Dragon Ball' theme park planned in Saudi Arabia

TOKYO, Japan — A theme park based on Japan's "Dragon Ball" manga franchise will be built in Saudi Arabia's new high-end tourist attraction of Qiddiya just outside Riyadh, authorities said Friday.

The announcement comes two weeks after fans of the massively popular and influential series were shocked by news of the death of its creator Akira Toriyama, aged 68.

The 500,000-square-meter park will allow fans to "live the adventures at the heart of the action, experiencing the journey from the first Dragon Ball series to the latest Dragon Ball Super", according to a press release by the Qiddiya Investment Company.

First serialized in 1984, "Dragon Ball" is one of the best-selling manga franchises of all time and has spawned countless anime series, films and video games.

Toriyama's death this month from a blood clot on the brain sparked an outpouring of grief from around the world, including tributes from French President Emmanuel Macron and Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin.

Related: 'Dragon Ball' creator Akira Toriyama dies aged 68

In a press release on the official Dragon Ball website, authorities in Qiddiya did not give an opening date for the park, and also did not say how much construction would cost.

The statement said the attraction would be split into seven themed zones based on the magical dragon-containing balls that are central to the series.

The park will have at least 30 rides and include a 230-foot dragon at the centre of the site, it said.

The Qiddiya "entertainment city" project, featuring high-end theme parks, motorsport facilities, and a safari area, is under construction near the Saudi capital Riyadh.

Shares of Toei Animation, which produced the "Dragon Ball" anime series, surged 6.7 percent on Friday.

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