France, Saudi Arabia Sign $7 Billion Deal To Build Dragon Ball Z Theme Park Near Paris

France and Saudi Arabia have announced a €6 billion ($7 billion) entertainment and tourism investment to develop a major theme park destination near Paris, with one of the parks centred on Japan’s popular Dragon Ball franchise.

The agreement was announced during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Paris, where he held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace. The proposed development is expected to include three large theme parks and could become one of Europe’s biggest foreign-backed tourism projects.

Dragon Ball At The Centre Of Japanese-Themed Park

The centrepiece of the development will be a park dedicated to Japanese manga and popular culture, featuring attractions inspired by the Dragon Ball Z universe created by Akira Toriyama.

The concept reportedly emerged during discussions between French and Saudi leaders in Riyadh in late 2024, when they discussed their shared interest in Japanese animation and entertainment.

The project will be financed by Qiddiya Investment Company, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). Saudi Arabia has already announced plans for a Dragon Ball theme park as part of its Qiddiya development, making the French project a major international expansion of its entertainment ambitions.

Three Theme Parks Planned Near Paris

The proposed resort is planned near Cergy-Pontoise, around 30 kilometres northwest of central Paris. It is expected to be developed in phases and will include three separate theme park zones.

The first park will focus on Japanese manga and anime, with Dragon Ball expected to be its main attraction. Details about the themes and intellectual properties for the other two parks have not yet been announced.

French officials estimate the development could create around 22,000 direct jobs, making it a significant economic project for the region.

Major Investment In European Tourism

The €6 billion investment represents a major expansion of Saudi Arabia’s global entertainment and tourism strategy while bringing substantial foreign capital into France.

The project is expected to take several years to complete, with construction planned in multiple phases. Authorities have yet to provide detailed information about individual attractions or a final opening date.

The development would add another major entertainment destination to the Paris region, which already hosts Disneyland Paris, while strengthening economic and cultural ties between France and Saudi Arabia.