Full Breakdown
France and Saudi Arabia Seal €6 Billion Manga-Themed Theme-Park Deal Near Paris
8/25/2026, 12:19:05 AM
Core Agreement
France and Saudi Arabia have concluded a €6 billion ($7 billion) investment to build three manga-themed amusement parks on the outskirts of Paris. The project, which will include a park inspired by *Dragon Ball Z*, will be developed near Cergy-Pontoise, about 30 km northwest of the capital. Financing will be provided by Qiddiya, a Saudi entertainment and investment group owned by the Public Investment Fund. The Élysée Palace announced the agreement during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s two-day state visit.
Background & Context
The deal fits Saudi Arabia’s strategy to diversify its economy beyond oil by expanding into global leisure and cultural sectors. Earlier meetings between President Emmanuel Macron and the Crown Prince revealed a shared enthusiasm for *Dragon Ball Z*, which became the catalyst for the theme-park concept. The agreement was signed alongside talks on regional security, energy routes and other economic partnerships, underscoring the multifaceted Saudi-French relationship.
Timeline
- August 23, 2026 – The Élysée Palace announced the forthcoming agreement during the Crown Prince’s visit.
- August 24, 2026 – Formal confirmation that France and Saudi Arabia have agreed to the €6 billion manga-themed park project.
- August 7, 2026 – The Crown Prince’s trip marks his first foreign travel since the signing of the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement with Turkey and Pakistan.
- February 28, 2026 – The U.S.–Israel war on Iran began, providing a broader geopolitical backdrop to the visit.
Data & Statistics
- Investment amount: €6 billion ($7 billion).
- Number of parks: Three, with one confirmed manga-themed.
- Projected jobs: Approximately 22,000 direct positions, comparable to the 20,000 jobs generated by Disneyland Paris.
- Location: Cergy-Pontoise, a suburb that previously hosted France’s first theme park, Mirapolis, which closed in the early 1990s.
Official Statements & Responses
President Emmanuel Macron described the partnership as “extraordinary” and linked it to France’s “Choose France” initiative to attract large-scale foreign projects. The Saudi side, represented by Qiddiya, framed the venture as part of its global entertainment expansion, noting its existing Dragon Ball Z park near Riyadh. Both governments presented the agreement as evidence of France’s attractiveness for foreign investment and Saudi Arabia’s commitment to cultural diversification.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’re not done surprising the world. Very proud of this achievement,” — Emmanuel Macron
- “There is a very important meeting at the Elysee today that may result in the signing of this agreement,” — Valérie Pécresse, President of the Regional Council of Île-de-France
What’s Next
Construction of the three parks will proceed in stages over several years, with no opening date announced. The Élysée Palace indicated that details such as the specific themes of the two non-manga parks will be finalized as the project moves forward. Ongoing bilateral meetings are slated to address additional economic and security agreements, but no further deadlines have been disclosed.
