Manga-inspired theme park to be built near Paris
The construction of three new parks was given the green light after a €6bn investment from Saudi Arabia.
A manga-inspired theme park is slated for construction near Paris, as part of a substantial €6 billion (£5.13 billion) agreement between France and Saudi Arabia that will see three new theme parks developed.
The planned development is anticipated to feature a park themed around the popular Japanese franchise, Dragon Ball Z. French President Emmanuel Macron lauded the initiative, stating its scale is unprecedented "since Disneyland Paris," and acknowledging his personal "interest for manga."
While an opening date for the parks, which will be situated near Cergy-Pontoise, has not been announced by the Élysée Palace, they are expected to open in phases, with construction projected to span several years.
The project received official approval during a two-day state visit to France by Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Presidential advisors informed reporters on Monday that the idea originated from a prior discussion between Macron and bin Salman regarding their shared enthusiasm for Japanese comics, "in particular Dragon Ball Z."
Macron is a known admirer of manga; earlier this year, he concluded a press briefing with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi by performing a hand gesture from the Dragon Ball series.
Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, will spearhead the project. QIC had previously unveiled plans in 2024 for a Dragon Ball theme park near Riyadh, the Saudi capital.
Local reports suggest the new theme parks could be built on the former Mirapolis park site in Val-d'Oise, which closed 35 years ago.
Beyond the entertainment sector, the deal, which the Élysée estimates will generate approximately 2,000 jobs, also signifies strengthening ties between France and Saudi Arabia. During bin Salman's visit, the leaders are expected to sign multiple agreements covering health, transport, and energy, alongside discussions concerning the US and Iran conflict.
In a post on X on Sunday, Macron described bin Salman's two-day state visit as an "important milestone." He further stated that in the face of Middle Eastern challenges, "France and Saudi Arabia have always worked together to promote peace and stability."
Saudi Arabia is actively pursuing economic diversification to lessen its reliance on oil revenues, including through investments in the leisure and entertainment industries.
On Sunday, Macron hosted bin Salman at the conclusion of the Esports World Cup. Originally scheduled for Riyadh, the event was relocated to Paris due to safety concerns stemming from the conflict in the Middle East.