Saudi Arabia Commits $6 Billion to Build Manga-Themed Amusement Parks Near Paris

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has signed a major agreement with the French government to invest $6 billion in the construction of three manga-themed amusement parks located north-east of Paris. The official announcement followed a two-day visit to Paris by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, who was hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.

According to the office of French President Emmanuel Macron, the globally renowned Japanese manga series Dragon Ball will serve as a central theme for the new attractions. While specific timelines were not disclosed, the development is projected to generate 22,000 new jobs near Cergy-Pontoise, approximately 30 kilometers from Paris.

The chosen location previously housed Mirapolis, France's first theme park, which originally opened in 1987 with private Saudi funding before closing due to financial difficulties. The Saudi side favored the site due to its strategic proximity to Paris and Disneyland Paris.

Discussions regarding the project initially began when French President Emmanuel Macron visited Riyadh in December 2024. Subsequent details were finalized through a series of meetings between French presidential advisers and the Qiddiya Investment Company, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.

During the visit, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and French President Emmanuel Macron also attended the closing ceremony of the Esports World Cup in Paris.