{
  "id": 3418836,
  "title": "Macron’s Love of Dragon Ball Z Scores France a €6 Billion Theme Park Deal",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/macrons-love-of-dragon-ball-z-scores-france-a-6-billion-theme-park",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-26T04:02:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Tokyo Weekender",
    "slug": "tokyo-weekender",
    "url": "https://www.tokyoweekender.com/entertainment/anime-and-manga/macron-dragon-ball-france-theme-park/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday a €6 billion multi-theme park complex in France set to be developed over the coming years. The ambitious project comprises three separate amusement parks, with one dedicated to manga and anime, according to Macron's advisors. The initiative was sparked after Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bonded over their shared love for the anime series Dragon Ball Z during Macron's visit to Saudi Arabia.\n\nMacron expressed his personal enthusiasm for the project on a post on X, stating his passion for manga and describing the deal with Saudi Arabia as \"an unprecedented announcement.\" The €6 billion investment would create a new global destination in France, employing 22,000 people – a level of commitment not seen since Disneyland Paris.\n\nThe French government thanked Qiddiya, the entity behind the proposed Dragon Ball theme park in Saudi Arabia, for their trust in the country, its talents, and its future. The French project aligns with Qiddiya's plans for a Dragon Ball theme park in Qiddiya City near Riyadh, which is expected to span over 500,000 square meters and feature seven themed areas and more than 30 attractions. The centerpiece is anticipated to be a roller coaster built inside a 70-meter-tall structure modeled after Shenron, the dragon summoned when all seven Dragon Balls are collected. Developed in collaboration with Toei Animation, the park will be the world's first Dragon Ball-themed attraction.\n\nWhile the French government has not confirmed that any of the three parks will be exclusively dedicated to the Dragon Ball franchise, it is expected that Akira Toriyama's popular series will play a significant role in this major new entertainment and tourism destination for France.",
  "summary": "On Monday, the office of French president Emmanuel Macron announced a massive €6 billion multi-theme park complex to be built in France in the coming years. The colossal development will feature three distinct amusement parks, including one expected to be dedicated entirely to the world of manga and anime. According to Macron’s advisors, the project […] The post Macron’s Love of Dragon Ball Z…",
  "key_points": [
    "French President Emmanuel Macron announces €6 billion multi-theme park complex in France.",
    "Project includes one dedicated manga and anime park inspired by Dragon Ball Z.",
    "Initiative sparked by Macron's shared love for anime with Saudi Crown Prince."
  ],
  "editors_take": "France gains a new global tourism destination and 22,000 jobs through a €6 billion investment, as Macron's personal interests help secure the deal with Saudi Arabia's Qiddiya entertainment entity.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}