Dragon Ball Z Theme Park: Saudi €6B Deal Near Paris

France and Saudi Arabia have announced a landmark €6 billion deal to build three new theme parks near Paris, including a Dragon Ball Z theme park, in what President Emmanuel Macron describes as the largest leisure development since Disneyland Paris. The intent agreement, signed on August 24, 2026 during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's official two-day visit, is expected to create approximately 22,000 jobs and reshape tourism in the Île-de-France region.

What Is the €6 Billion Saudi-French Theme Park Project?

The three parks will rise near Cergy-Pontoise, a modern city about 35 kilometers northwest of Paris, on the site of the former Mirapolis amusement park, which closed in 1991 after just four years due to financial problems. Saudi Arabia's Qiddiya Investment Company, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, will finance the project. Valérie Pécresse, president of the Île-de-France regional council, told French media the development has 'a scale comparable to Disney' and could significantly boost the region's tourist appeal.

The centerpiece is a Dragon Ball Z theme park inspired by the Japanese manga and anime franchise. The idea emerged after Macron's 2025 visit to Saudi Arabia, when the two leaders discovered a shared passion for Dragon Ball Z. The themes of the other two parks have not been disclosed.

Why Dragon Ball Z?

Dragon Ball Z, produced by Toei Animation, follows Goku's adult adventures and has aired in at least 81 countries, making it a global cultural icon. Qiddiya is already building the world's first Dragon Ball theme park in Qiddiya City near Riyadh, spanning over 500,000 square meters with seven themed zones, more than 30 attractions and a 70-meter-tall Shenron statue. The French park will be the second international Dragon Ball destination.

The Dragon Ball theme park construction in Saudi Arabia has already advanced to back-of-house infrastructure tenders, according to industry reports.

Economic Impact and Vision 2030

The project is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 plan to reduce Saudi Arabia's oil dependence by investing in tourism, recreation and technology, targeting $100 billion annually in non-oil revenue. For France, the deal reinforces its appeal to foreign investors and marks the first comparable entertainment investment since Disneyland Paris opened in 1992.

Macron wrote on X: 'Since Disneyland Paris, we have seen nothing comparable.' Local politicians, however, worry the parks could lure visitors away from Disneyland Paris, one of France's top tourist attractions. French officials view the Saudi Vision 2030 tourism projects as proof that France remains attractive to foreign investors.

Criticism and Human Rights Concerns

The announcement has drawn sharp criticism. French unions and human rights groups point to an ongoing investigation in France against the Saudi crown prince over torture and enforced disappearance, filed in 2021 after the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. U.S. intelligence assessments concluded Mohammed bin Salman was involved, a claim he denies. Critics also note the crown prince owns Château Louis XIV near Paris, bought in 2015 for a reported €275 million.

Human rights organizations have similarly raised concerns about Saudi megaproject labor conditions in Qiddiya City, including worker safety and the kafala system.

FAQ: Saudi-French Dragon Ball Z Theme Park Deal

Where will the new theme parks be built?

They will be built near Cergy-Pontoise, about 35 kilometers northwest of Paris, on the former Mirapolis site.

How much is Saudi Arabia investing?

Saudi Arabia is investing €6 billion through Qiddiya Investment Company, a Public Investment Fund subsidiary.

How many jobs will the project create?

The project is expected to create around 22,000 jobs, according to President Macron.

When will the Dragon Ball Z park open?

No opening date has been announced; construction is expected to take several years.

Why is Saudi Arabia building theme parks in France?

The investment is part of Vision 2030, which aims to diversify Saudi Arabia's economy beyond oil through tourism and entertainment.