Saudi’s $7B Manga Theme Park Near Paris: Full Breakdown

France Unveils Historic €6 Billion Saudi-Backed Manga Theme Park Complex Near Paris

In a landmark move that’s sending shockwaves through both the entertainment and diplomatic worlds, France and Saudi Arabia have officially signed a €6 billion ($7 billion) memorandum of understanding to construct three massive theme parks near Paris. This unprecedented investment, announced on August 24, 2026, during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s rare visit to the French capital, represents the largest entertainment development in France since Disneyland Paris opened its gates in 1992.

The project, spearheaded by Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya Investment Company—a subsidiary of the kingdom’s sovereign Public Investment Fund (PIF)—will transform the Cergy-Pontoise area, located approximately 30 kilometers northwest of Paris, into a global entertainment destination. What makes this development particularly intriguing is its manga-inspired theme, with at least one park dedicated to the legendary Japanese franchise Dragon Ball Z, a series that both French President Emmanuel Macron and the Crown Prince reportedly share a passion for.

The Deal That’s Reshaping European Entertainment

Understanding the €6 Billion Investment Structure

The agreement was formalized when Roland Lescure, France’s Economy and Finance Minister, and Abdullah Al Dawood, Director General of Qiddiya Investment Company, signed the memorandum in Paris. This isn’t merely a real estate venture—it’s a strategic play that aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative to diversify its economy beyond oil and establish itself as a global leader in entertainment, tourism, and cultural experiences.

Qiddiya, the same entertainment conglomerate developing an $8 billion entertainment hub outside Riyadh that already features the world’s first Dragon Ball theme park, is financing the entire French project. This connection is crucial because it provides a proven blueprint for what Cergy-Pontoise could become. The Saudi group has demonstrated expertise in creating immersive, IP-driven experiences that appeal to international audiences, particularly younger demographics who grew up with manga and anime culture.

Job Creation and Economic Impact

The employment figures associated with this project are staggering. Official estimates suggest the three theme parks will create approximately 22,000 direct jobs once fully operational. To put this in perspective, Disneyland Paris—Europe’s most visited theme park—employs roughly 20,000 people. This means the new Saudi-backed complex will surpass even the Magic Kingdom in terms of employment generation, providing a significant boost to the Île-de-France region’s economy.

Valérie Pécresse, head of the Île-de-France region, revealed that regional authorities had been working on this project for 18 months before the official announcement. She described it to French broadcaster TF1 as “a project on the scale of Disneyland,” emphasizing its transformative potential for the area. The job creation extends beyond direct employment at the parks themselves, encompassing hospitality, transportation, retail, and ancillary services that will flourish around the entertainment complex.

Dragon Ball Z: The Manga Connection That Started It All

Macron and MBS’s Shared Passion for Anime

The manga theme didn’t emerge from market research alone—it originated from a genuine personal connection between two world leaders. During President Macron’s visit to Riyadh in December 2024, he and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discovered their mutual love for manga, particularly Dragon Ball Z. A Macron adviser later confirmed that this shared enthusiasm became a catalyst for exploring cultural and entertainment collaborations between the two nations.

“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,” Macron wrote on X (formerly Twitter) following the announcement. This personal touch adds a unique dimension to what could have been a purely transactional investment deal, transforming it into a cultural bridge between France, Saudi Arabia, and Japanese pop culture.

Why Dragon Ball Z Works for European Audiences

Dragon Ball Z, created by Akira Toriyama, became a global phenomenon in the 1990s and maintains a devoted fanbase across multiple generations. The franchise’s themes of perseverance, friendship, and self-improvement resonate universally, transcending cultural boundaries. For European audiences, particularly in France where manga has enjoyed mainstream popularity for decades, a Dragon Ball Z-themed park represents more than nostalgia—it’s an immersive experience that brings beloved characters and storylines to life.

France has one of the largest manga-reading populations outside Japan, with French publishers consistently ranking among the top manga distributors globally. This existing market familiarity reduces the risk associated with launching a manga-themed attraction, as there’s already a built-in audience eager for authentic Dragon Ball experiences. The success of Qiddiya’s Dragon Ball park in Saudi Arabia further validates the concept’s international appeal.

The Cergy-Pontoise Location: A Site with Historical Significance

Mirapolis: France’s First Theme Park Legacy

The chosen location for this ambitious project carries historical weight in France’s entertainment industry. The site near Cergy-Pontoise once housed Mirapolis, France’s first theme park, which opened in 1987 with private Saudi funding. Ironically, Mirapolis closed due to financial difficulties, but its legacy demonstrates that the location has long been recognized as suitable for large-scale entertainment ventures.

According to multiple sources, the current plan involves building a smaller-scale Dragon Ball park where Mirapolis once stood, while the broader complex will encompass three distinct theme parks across the Cergy-Pontoise agglomeration. This phased approach allows for manageable development while maintaining the vision of creating a comprehensive entertainment destination.

Strategic Geographic Advantages

Cergy-Pontoise’s location approximately 30 kilometers from central Paris offers several strategic advantages. First, it’s accessible to both Paris residents and international tourists who typically base themselves in the capital. Second, the area has existing infrastructure, including transportation links via the RER A train line, which connects directly to central Paris and major attractions. Third, the region has available land for large-scale development without the constraints of building within Paris proper.

The Île-de-France region’s involvement over the past 18 months suggests that local authorities have been addressing potential challenges, including zoning, environmental impact assessments, and community integration. This preparatory work positions the project for smoother execution once detailed planning permissions are granted.

Construction Timeline and Phased Development

What We Know About the Schedule

While excitement surrounds the announcement, concrete details about the construction timeline remain limited. French officials have confirmed that the parks will be built and opened in stages, with construction expected to take several years. No official opening date has been announced, though some sources suggest the first park could target a 2032 opening.

This phased approach is strategic for several reasons. It allows Qiddiya to manage capital expenditure over time, respond to market feedback from initial openings, and adjust subsequent park themes based on visitor preferences. It also minimizes disruption to the local community by spreading construction activity across multiple years rather than concentrating it in a single intensive period.

The Memorandum vs. Final Approvals

It’s important to note that what was signed on August 24, 2026, is a memorandum of understanding—not a final construction permit. This means that while the financial commitment and strategic framework are in place, detailed planning, environmental assessments, and regulatory approvals still need to be completed before construction can begin in earnest.

The themes of the two non-manga parks have yet to be disclosed, with Qiddiya Investment Company retaining the authority to select these based on market research and partnership opportunities. This flexibility allows the developer to respond to emerging entertainment trends and secure additional intellectual property partnerships before finalizing the park concepts.Diplomatic and Economic Context: Beyond Entertainment

Saudi Arabia’s Global Entertainment Strategy

This investment fits squarely within Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to position itself as a global entertainment powerhouse. The kingdom has been aggressively investing in sports, gaming, music, and theme parks as part of its economic diversification efforts. Qiddiya’s international expansion into France demonstrates confidence in exporting its entertainment model beyond the Middle East.

The Crown Prince’s visit to France marked a rare foreign trip outside of international summits, underscoring the significance both nations place on this partnership. On the Sunday before the theme park announcement, Macron hosted the Crown Prince at the Esports World Cup closing ceremony, which took place outside Saudi Arabia for the first time—another indicator of the deepening cultural and entertainment ties between the two countries.

Addressing Human Rights Concerns

The partnership hasn’t come without controversy. When questioned about entrusting such a significant project to Saudi Arabia given ongoing criticism of the kingdom’s human rights record, Macron’s office responded diplomatically: “At no point, when we attract a project, do we seek to lecture others.” This statement reflects France’s pragmatic approach to foreign investment, prioritizing economic benefits and job creation while maintaining diplomatic relations.

For content marketers and SEO professionals tracking this story, it’s worth noting that this tension between economic opportunity and ethical considerations will likely generate ongoing media coverage, providing multiple angles for content creation and audience engagement.

Implications for France’s Tourism and Entertainment Industry

Challenging Disneyland Paris’s Dominance

Disneyland Paris has long been Europe’s premier theme park destination, attracting millions of visitors annually. The new Saudi-backed complex represents the first credible challenge to its dominance in the European market. With 22,000 jobs compared to Disneyland’s 20,000, the scale is explicitly designed to compete at the highest level.

However, rather than viewing this as pure competition, industry analysts suggest the two destinations could create a synergistic effect, drawing more international tourists to the Paris region overall. Visitors might extend their stays to experience both Disney’s classic offerings and the manga-inspired attractions, benefiting the entire regional tourism ecosystem.

Boosting France’s Position in Global Entertainment

France has long been a cultural powerhouse, but this investment signals ambition to become a leader in contemporary entertainment experiences. The combination of French cultural prestige, Saudi capital, and Japanese pop culture appeal creates a unique value proposition that could attract visitors from Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and beyond.

Final Thoughts: A New Chapter in Franco-Saudi Relations

The €6 billion theme park investment represents more than an entertainment venture—it’s a symbol of evolving global partnerships where culture, commerce, and diplomacy intersect. For France, it brings jobs, tourism, and renewed excitement to the Paris region. For Saudi Arabia, it demonstrates the kingdom’s ability to execute ambitious international projects that align with its economic diversification goals.