Three parks, including a Dragon Ball Z attraction, to be developed in Cergy-Pontoise
Category: Business
Saudi Arabia has committed to investing €6 billion (approximately $7 billion) in a major theme park development near Paris, as announced during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s recent visit to the French capital. This ambitious project, which involves the construction of three distinct theme parks, is set to take place in Cergy-Pontoise, located about 30 kilometers northwest of Paris.
The memorandum of agreement was signed between Saudi Arabia and France, marking a momentous step in the kingdom's efforts to expand its international interests in entertainment and tourism. French President Emmanuel Macron hailed the investment as "unprecedented," drawing comparisons to the scale of Disneyland Paris, which opened in 1992 and has since become one of Europe’s premier leisure destinations.
The development is expected to feature a park inspired by the popular Japanese manga and anime series, Dragon Ball Z. This theme park is part of a broader initiative led by Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), which is a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). QIC has previously unveiled plans for a similar Dragon Ball-themed park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, demonstrating the kingdom's commitment to leveraging its cultural assets in the global entertainment market.
The agreement was reached during a two-day state visit by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where discussions focused on fostering cooperation between the two nations in various sectors, including transport, energy, and health. The idea for the theme park project reportedly emerged from conversations between Macron and the crown prince during the French president's visit to Riyadh in December 2024, where they discovered a mutual enthusiasm for manga.
Notably, the site for the new theme parks is the former Mirapolis theme park grounds, which have remained dormant since its closure in 1991. The redevelopment of this historic site into a vibrant entertainment complex is expected to breathe new life into the region, transforming it into one of Europe’s largest leisure hubs.
The project is projected to create approximately 22,000 direct jobs, surpassing the initial employment metrics set by Disneyland Paris. This job creation is particularly timely as France seeks to bolster its economy in the aftermath of the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of foreign investment in revitalizing local job markets.
Construction of the theme parks is anticipated to take place in stages over several years, with specific opening dates yet to be announced. The phased approach allows for careful planning and execution, ensuring that the development meets the high standards expected of such a large-scale project.
As the project progresses, detailed plans for visitor infrastructure, themed attractions, and supporting transport and utilities work will be unveiled. The French Ministry of Economy, Finance and Industrial Sovereignty, represented by Minister Roland Lescure, has been involved in facilitating the agreement and will likely play a key role in overseeing the project’s development.
The collaboration between France and Saudi Arabia on this theme park initiative reflects a broader strategy under Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the kingdom's economy beyond oil dependence. By investing in international entertainment projects, Saudi Arabia hopes to cultivate a more dynamic tourism sector that can attract visitors from around the globe.
In the coming months, as more details on the construction timetable and procurement routes are established, the excitement surrounding the project is expected to grow. This development signifies a major milestone for Qiddiya and positions France as a key player in the international tourism market.
As the project moves forward, stakeholders from both nations are optimistic about its potential to transform the leisure industry in France and establish a lasting partnership that could pave the way for future collaborations.