A Colossal Investment: Saudi Arabia Fuels French Theme Park Boom

Get ready for a massive transformation on the entertainment front just outside Paris! Saudi Arabia is making headlines with a colossal commitment, pumping a staggering €6 billion – that's roughly $7 billion USD, depending on the day – into developing not one, but three brand-new theme parks near the French capital. This isn't just a big investment; it's an absolute game-changer, expected to conjure up around 22,000 direct jobs in the process. It's truly monumental, a scale of development French President Emmanuel Macron himself compared to nothing less than the arrival of Disneyland Paris decades ago.

So, where exactly is all this magic going to happen? The chosen location is near Cergy-Pontoise, a vibrant area approximately 30 kilometers northwest of Paris in the Île-de-France region. The deal, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to kick things off, was officially announced on August 24, 2026, during a high-profile visit by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman to France. He was, of course, met by President Macron.

Now, here's where it gets truly fascinating, adding a wonderfully human touch to this massive financial undertaking. The entire idea, you see, apparently sprang from a conversation between President Macron and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman way back in December 2024. They were in Riyadh, and during their discussions, they stumbled upon a shared, unexpected passion: manga, and specifically, the legendary Dragon Ball Z! Who would have thought a shared love for Goku and Vegeta could spark such an immense economic venture?

And yes, you guessed it – this shared passion is translating directly into one of the flagship parks. While the themes for the other two parks are still under wraps, generating plenty of buzz and speculation, one of the three will be completely devoted to the incredible universe of manga, widely understood to be heavily inspired by the beloved Japanese franchise, Dragon Ball Z. Imagine stepping into that world! It's a fantastic development, building on Saudi Arabia's own plans, as they had already announced a Dragon Ball theme park outside Riyadh in March 2024, set to open in Qiddiya City by 2030, in partnership with Toei Animation.

This initiative near Paris is being financed by the Qiddiya Investment Company, which is a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), a major player in global investments. While construction is expected to span several years, and we don't have a specific opening date for the French parks just yet, it's clear this project is part of a broader, strategic vision. Consider, for instance, that Qiddiya City in Saudi Arabia has already seen the opening of Six Flags Qiddiya City on December 31, 2025, and the Aquarabia water park followed suit in March 2026. This isn't just a one-off; it's a testament to a growing ambition in the entertainment sector.

The impact of such an endeavor cannot be overstated. Beyond the sheer thrill for fans of manga and theme park enthusiasts, the economic benefits for the Île-de-France region will be substantial, with thousands of new jobs and a significant boost to tourism. This ambitious project, born from an unexpected bond over Japanese animation, truly promises to be a landmark destination for generations to come, firmly placing France at the forefront of European entertainment innovation.