The manga-themed amusement park near Paris aims to create 22,000 jobs and attract global tourism
Category: Business
France and Saudi Arabia have announced plans to develop a $7 billion manga-themed amusement park complex near Paris, a project that is expected to create approximately 22,000 jobs. The announcement was made on August 24, 2026, during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to the French capital, as confirmed by the Élysée Palace.
The amusement park will be situated near Cergy-Pontoise, roughly 30 kilometers northwest of Paris, and will feature three distinct theme parks. One of these parks will be dedicated to the popular Japanese manga and anime franchise, Dragon Ball Z, which has captured the hearts of fans worldwide.
The idea for this ambitious project originated from a conversation between French President Emmanuel Macron and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during Macron's visit to Saudi Arabia in December 2024. The two leaders discovered a mutual enthusiasm for Dragon Ball Z, which sparked the concept for the theme park. Macron expressed his excitement about the deal, calling it "an extraordinary" opportunity for France and a potential new global destination.
Macron emphasized the significance of this investment, stating that it is the largest entertainment project in France since Disneyland Paris. He remarked, "Nothing like this has been seen since Disneyland Paris," highlighting the project's potential impact on the local economy and tourism sector. The partnership with Saudi Arabia marks a strategic move to attract foreign investment, which is a key component of Macron's "Choose France" initiative.
The financing for the project will come from Qiddiya, a Saudi entertainment and investment group backed by the kingdom's Public Investment Fund. This development falls in line with Saudi Arabia's broader efforts to diversify its economy beyond oil dependency and establish a prominent presence in the global leisure and entertainment industry.
In addition to the Dragon Ball Z theme park, Qiddiya is already working on a separate Dragon Ball-themed park in Saudi Arabia, which was announced in 2024. That park is set to span over 500,000 square meters and will feature seven themed areas and more than 30 attractions, including a centerpiece roller coaster modeled after Shenron, the dragon from the franchise.
As construction is expected to take several years, no official opening date has been set for the French theme park complex. French officials have stated that key details about the project still need to be finalized. The development is anticipated to be a major draw for international tourists, capitalizing on the global popularity of Dragon Ball Z, which has maintained a strong fan base since its debut in the 1980s.
Macron's enthusiasm for the project was evident when he tweeted, "You know my passion for manga. You also know my determination to attract to France the investments that create jobs and make the most ambitious projects possible. In Cergy-Pontoise, three theme parks will come to life." This sentiment reflects the French government's commitment to fostering a favorable environment for foreign investment and tourism.
The announcement of the theme park also coincided with a broader set of agreements between France and Saudi Arabia, covering various sectors such as energy, artificial intelligence, and defense. These agreements signify an effort to strengthen ties between the two nations and expand their cooperative ventures.
As the global entertainment industry continues to evolve, the French-Saudi theme park project is positioned to be a part of a larger trend where major corporations are investing heavily in immersive experiences. Recent investments by companies like Comcast and Disney in Europe indicate a growing belief that consumers will continue to seek out unique and engaging entertainment options.
In this competitive environment, the Dragon Ball Z theme park in France aims to carve out a niche by leveraging the franchise's iconic status and its appeal to a diverse audience. With its roots in manga and anime culture, the park is expected to resonate with fans of the series and with families and tourists seeking new and exciting experiences.
As the project progresses, it will be closely watched by industry analysts and stakeholders, eager to see how it develops and what it means for the future of theme parks in Europe. The collaboration between France and Saudi Arabia could set a precedent for future international partnerships in the entertainment sector.
In the coming months, more details about the project are expected to emerge, including potential themes for the other two parks and the timeline for construction milestones. For now, the Dragon Ball Z theme park stands as a symbol of cultural exchange and economic collaboration, with the promise of creating a vibrant new destination for years to come.
As the global entertainment scene continues to expand, the Dragon Ball Z theme park in France may well become a landmark attraction, drawing visitors from around the world eager to experience the magic of this beloved franchise.