Saudi Arabia is set to invest €6 billion in a major entertainment development near Paris, with plans for three theme parks that French authorities say could create around 22,000 jobs and establish a new international tourism destination.
The project was announced following talks between French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during the crown prince’s official visit to France. The two countries signed an agreement on August 24 outlining the proposed investment in the Cergy-Pontoise area, around 30 kilometres northwest of Paris.
Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya Investment Company, which is backed by the country’s Public Investment Fund, is expected to lead the development. Qiddiya has emerged as a central player in Saudi Arabia’s expanding entertainment industry and is already developing major leisure, sports and cultural projects at home.
Macron described the proposed development as unprecedented in scale for France’s entertainment industry since the creation of Disneyland Paris. According to the French president, the project is expected to generate approximately 22,000 jobs, potentially delivering a major economic boost to communities northwest of the capital.
One of the three parks is expected to draw inspiration from the Japanese manga and anime phenomenon Dragon Ball, although details of the final licensing arrangements and the themes of the other two parks have yet to be fully disclosed. The idea reportedly emerged from discussions between Macron and Mohammed bin Salman about their shared interest in manga.
The broader development is expected to combine entertainment with other leisure and tourism facilities. Reports indicate that the proposed location is connected to the former Mirapolis amusement park site, which closed in the early 1990s.
The €6 billion figure covers the planned development as a whole, and construction is expected to proceed in phases over several years. No official opening date has yet been announced, meaning the project remains at an early development stage and will still require detailed planning and implementation.
For France, the investment represents a potentially significant addition to its tourism and entertainment economy. Paris and its surrounding region already benefit from some of Europe’s largest visitor attractions, and another large-scale entertainment destination could draw additional international tourists while supporting hotels, restaurants, transportation and other local businesses.
For Saudi Arabia, the agreement also reflects the growing international ambitions of its entertainment sector. Qiddiya’s involvement demonstrates how Saudi investment is expanding beyond domestic megaprojects and into major overseas leisure developments.
The project also comes amid strengthening economic ties between Riyadh and Paris. During Mohammed bin Salman’s visit, the two sides announced agreements spanning investment, defense, artificial intelligence, infrastructure, tourism and cultural cooperation.
If the development proceeds as planned, the three Cergy-Pontoise parks could become one of France’s largest new tourism investments in decades — combining billions of euros in Saudi capital with France’s position as one of the world’s leading tourist destinations.
