A theme park based on the famed Japanese animated series Dragon Ball will be built in Saudi Arabia.

The announcement sparked mixed reactions from fans.

The park will feature a 230ft dragon at its center and at least 30 rides, the company behind the project says.

It would be the world’s first such attraction based on the popular media franchise.

The announcement was met with some criticism from fans, citing Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.

The park will cover more than half a million square metres, according to Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) which is wholly owned by the Saudi Arabian government’s investment fund.

The plans are part of “a long-term strategic partnership” between the QIC and Toei Animation, the Japanese producer of Dragon Ball.

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

According to the official Dragon Ball website, the park will include a roller coaster inside the dragon modelled after Shenron, a wish-giving dragon that features in the franchise.

Qiddiya is a major entertainment and tourism project being built near Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh.

It is part of the energy-rich nation’s plans to diversify its economy away from fossil fuels.

While some Dragon Ball fans have welcomed the plans for the theme park, others on social media have questioned the decision to locate the attraction in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia has been criticized for its human rights record and lack of recognition of LGBTQ+ rights.

The announcement comes just weeks after the death of Dragon Ball’s creator, Akira Toriyama.

Akira Toriyama died on March 1st, aged 68. Only his family and very few friends attended his funeral, according to a statement on the Dragon Ball website.

The Dragon Ball comic series debuted in 1984. It follows a boy named Son Goku in his quest to collect magical dragon balls that can give him super powers.

The Dragon Ball is one of the most influential and best-selling Japanese comics of all time.