Dragon Ball Z Theme Park Near Paris Gets $7 Billion Boost From France-Saudi Pact

France and Saudi Arabia have signed a memorandum of understanding for a €6 billion ($7 billion) entertainment project near Paris, featuring a major theme park inspired by the globally popular Dragon Ball franchise.

The proposed development will include three theme parks and is expected to become one of the largest foreign-backed tourism investments in Europe.

Dragon Ball To Be Key Attraction

The flagship park will centre on Japanese manga and popular culture, with Dragon Ball Z serving as its main theme. The franchise, created by Akira Toriyama, is expected to anchor a range of attractions and immersive experiences.

The project was unveiled during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Paris, following talks with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace.

The idea reportedly emerged during a meeting between the two leaders in Riyadh in 2024, where their shared interest in Japanese animation helped shape the concept.

Three Parks Planned Northwest Of Paris

The resort is planned near Cergy-Pontoise, around 30 kilometres northwest of central Paris. The development will feature three separate theme parks, although the themes and intellectual properties for the other two have not yet been revealed.

The project will be financed by Qiddiya Investment Company, part of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

Saudi Arabia is already developing a Dragon Ball theme park in its Qiddiya entertainment hub. The French project would mark a significant overseas expansion of the kingdom’s growing tourism and entertainment investments.

Project Expected To Create 22,000 Jobs

French officials estimate the development could generate approximately 22,000 direct jobs in the region. Construction is expected to take place in phases over several years, making the project a major infrastructure and tourism undertaking.

French authorities have presented the investment as a major vote of confidence in the country’s ability to attract international capital, while Saudi Arabia sees the project as part of its broader strategy to expand its global entertainment and tourism footprint.

Further details about the attractions, construction timeline and opening date are expected to be announced as planning progresses.