France and Saudi Arabia Partner to Build Massive Dragon Ball Z Theme Park Near Paris
Paris, Tuesday, 25 August 2026.
France and Saudi Arabia finalized a €6 billion agreement to construct a Dragon Ball Z theme park near Paris, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s push into global leisure and entertainment.
France and Saudi Arabia Partner to Build Massive Dragon Ball Z Theme Park Near Paris
France and Saudi Arabia have finalized a €6 billion agreement to construct a Dragon Ball Z theme park near Paris, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s push into global leisure and entertainment [1][2]. The project, announced during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to the French capital in August 2026, aims to create a direct commercial competitor to Disneyland Paris [1][3]. The Elysee Palace confirmed the deal on Monday, August 24, 2026, marking a significant milestone in Franco-Saudi economic cooperation [1][5]. This joint initiative underscores Saudi Arabia’s strategic push to export capital into global entertainment infrastructure while reinforcing foreign direct investment into the European tourism sector [1][4].
Strategic Investment and Economic Impact
The development is expected to create around 22,000 jobs, according to statements from the Elysee Palace [1][2]. French officials have cast the project as evidence that France remains a magnet for foreign investment, with President Emmanuel Macron noting the scale is unlike anything seen since Disneyland Paris [1][6]. Saudi entertainment and investment group Qiddiya will finance the project, which forms part of the kingdom’s push to diversify its economy beyond oil and expand its global footprint in the leisure industry [1][3]. The investment aligns with broader Saudi strategies, including recent acquisitions in the gaming sector such as a stake in Capcom and ownership of the Evo tournament series [3][6].
Location and Development Timeline
The theme park will be built near Cergy-Pontoise, northwest of Paris, with some officials specifying the site could be in Courdimanche [1][5]. This location previously housed Mirapolis, a theme park that closed 35 years ago, offering a historical precedent for leisure development in the area [6][7]. No opening date has been set for what would be one of Europe’s largest theme park developments, with construction expected to take several years [1][3]. The project is currently in the conceptualization and planning phase, with key details for the sprawling development yet to be settled [1][4].
Strategic Partnership and Origins
The idea was born after French President Emmanuel Macron and the Saudi crown prince discovered a shared enthusiasm for Dragon Ball Z during Macron’s visit to Saudi Arabia in 2025, Macron advisers said [1][2]. The agreement was solidified during Crown Prince bin Salman’s rare official trip abroad, where he appeared alongside Macron at the closing ceremony of the Esports World Cup in Paris on Sunday, August 23, 2026 [1][6]. French government sources described the partnership as driven by a shared passion for manga, particularly Dragon Ball Z [2][6]. This cultural diplomacy complements ongoing negotiations regarding health, transport, and energy sectors between the two nations [6][7].
Conclusion
The €6 billion commitment represents a tangible outcome of the strengthened diplomatic ties observed throughout 2026 [1][3]. While the opening date remains pending, the project signals a long-term commitment to transforming the Cergy-Pontoise area into a major entertainment hub [4][5]. Analysts note that this move diversifies Saudi Arabia’s investment portfolio while providing a significant economic boost to the Ile-de-France region [2][6]. The success of this venture will depend on finalizing the unsettled details of the sprawling development over the coming years [1][7].