France and Saudi Arabia Unveil Massive 6 Billion Euro Theme Park Project Near Paris

In a bold move to reshape the tourism landscape of the ￎle-de-France region, France and Saudi Arabia have entered into a strategic partnership to construct a massive theme park complex on the outskirts of Paris. The agreement, finalized on Monday, August 24, was signed during an official visit to the French capital by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. This ambitious project marks a significant fusion of economic investment and cultural diplomacy between the two nations.

The financial backbone of the venture is the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which is slated to inject a cumulative total of 6 billion euros (approximately 8.9 billion SGD) into the development over the coming years. The chosen site for this entertainment hub is the Cergy-Pontoise area, located within the greater Paris region. This strategic location is expected to draw millions of international and domestic visitors, diversifying the tourism offerings beyond the city center.

According to official statements from the French President's office, the planned complex is far more than just an amusement park. The blueprint includes three distinct theme and leisure parks, complemented by an extensive array of hospitality services, including high-end accommodation and diverse dining options. In a unique addition to the infrastructure, the project will also feature residential housing specifically designed for students and young professionals, integrating a living-working-playing ecosystem into the development. Economically, the project is projected to be a powerhouse for the local labor market, with estimates suggesting the creation of roughly 22,000 new jobs.

One of the most talked-about aspects of the park is the inclusion of a themed area dedicated to the world-renowned Japanese manga series, *Dragon Ball*. This particular attraction is born out of a personal connection; sources from the Elys￩e Palace indicate that President Emmanuel Macron and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman share a deep passion for Japanese manga. The project was initially conceptualized during Macron's 2024 visit to Riyadh, where the two leaders discussed the potential of bringing such a cultural phenomenon to France. This will be the second *Dragon Ball* themed park in the world, following the first one currently under construction in Qiddiya City, near the Saudi capital of Riyadh.

President Macron, taking to the social media platform X, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, describing the complex as a "entirely new global tourism destination." He emphasized that the magnitude of this undertaking is unprecedented in the region, suggesting that the scale of the development is something the French tourism sector has not seen since the establishment of Disneyland Paris.

This sentiment was echoed by Valerie Pecresse, President of the Regional Council of ￎle-de-France. In a recent television interview, Pecresse revealed that her office has been working diligently behind the scenes for the past 18 months to bring this project to fruition. She noted that in terms of scope and ambition, the new Saudi-funded complex is designed to be comparable to the legendary Disneyland Paris. For context, Disney's flagship French resort has attracted over 445 million visitors since it first opened its doors in 1992, setting a high benchmark for any new entertainment venture in the country.

As the project moves from the planning phase to execution, it signals a deepening of economic ties between Paris and Riyadh, blending the Saudi Kingdom's vision for global investment with France's desire to expand its tourism infrastructure and create large-scale employment opportunities.