Dragon Ball Theme Park to Be Built near Paris

Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with France, has announced plans for a €6 billion leisure development near Paris, set to include three theme parks with a flagship attraction centered around the Dragon Ball manga and anime universe. The project, led by the Saudi entertainment and development group Qiddiya Investment Company, backed by the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund, is anticipated to generate around 22,000 direct jobs.

French President Emmanuel Macron revealed the investment during a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, emphasizing its unprecedented scale in France since Disneyland Paris opened in 1992. The proposed development, located near Cergy-Pontoise, 30 kilometers northwest of the French capital, could transform the area into a global entertainment destination.

The €6 billion investment covers the entire development cycle, with construction slated to span several years. Specific details, including the final designs and the identities of other intellectual properties involved, remain to be determined. The initiative emerged from discussions between Macron and Mohammed bin Salman following their meeting in Riyadh in December 2024, sparked by a shared interest in manga, particularly Dragon Ball Z, among their advisors.

This partnership adds a new dimension to Qiddiya’s entertainment strategy, which already encompasses Qiddiya City near Riyadh as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative to diversify the economy beyond oil. The French plan represents a significant overseas expansion of Qiddiya's model, aligning with Paris's strategy of attracting long-term foreign investment into tourism, infrastructure, and technology.

Regional officials in the Île-de-France region have expressed support for the project, highlighting its potential to create employment, increase transport demand, and boost visitor spending. The announcement of the Dragon Ball-themed park comes as part of a broader effort to enhance Paris's position as a leading global tourism destination.