<div><span style="font-size: 1rem;"><b>Saudi Arabia has announced it will build a theme park based on the famed Japanese animated series Dragon Ball, sparking mixed reactions from fans.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>It will feature a 70m (229.6ft) dragon at its centre and at least 30 rides, the firm behind the project says.</div><div><br></div><div>The park would be the world's first such attraction based on the popular media franchise.</div><div><br></div><div>The announcement was met with some criticism from fans, citing Saudi Arabia's human rights record.</div><div><br></div><div>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.</div><div><br></div><div>The plans are part of "a long-term strategic partnership" between the QIC and Toei Animation, the Japanese producer of Dragon Ball.</div><div><br></div><div>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.</div><div><br></div><div>Qiddiya is a major entertainment and tourism project being built near Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh.</div><div><br></div><div>It is part of the energy-rich nation's plans to diversify its economy away from fossil fuels.</div><div><br></div><div>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.</div><div><br></div><div>The country has been criticised for its human rights record, treatment of women and lack of recognition of LGBTQ+ rights.</div><div><br></div><div>The announcement comes just weeks after the death of Dragon Ball's creator, Akira Toriyama.</div><div><br></div><div>Toriyama died on 1 March, aged 68. Only his family and very few friends attended his funeral, according to a statement on the Dragon Ball website.</div><div><br></div><div>Fans around the world paid tribute to Toriyama for creating characters that have become a part of their lives.</div><div><br></div><div>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.</div><div><br></div><div>It is one of the most influential and best-selling Japanese comics of all time. According to BBC reports&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>