France and Saudi Arabia to Build Manga Theme Parks Near Paris

Key facts

• Three theme parks will be built near Paris as part of a €6bn (£5.13bn) deal between France and Saudi Arabia.
• The development includes a manga-themed park inspired by Dragon Ball Z.
• The project was announced during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's two-day state visit to France.
• French President Emmanuel Macron and bin Salman share a passion for Dragon Ball Z, according to the Élysée.
• The parks will be built near Cergy-Pontoise, with construction expected to take years and open in stages.
• The project will be led by Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), part of Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund.
• QIC previously revealed plans in 2024 to build a Dragon Ball theme park near Riyadh.
• The deal is expected to create about 2,000 jobs.
• French media suggest the parks could be built on the site of the former Mirapolis park in Val-d'Oise, which closed 35 years ago.
• Macron hailed the move as on a scale not seen 'since Disneyland Paris'.
• Macron ended a press briefing with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi by doing a hand gesture from the Dragon Ball series.
• The leaders are expected to sign agreements on health, transport, and energy during the visit.
• On Sunday, Macron hosted bin Salman at the closing of the Esports World Cup, moved from Riyadh to Paris due to safety concerns.
• Saudi Arabia aims to diversify its economy away from oil dependence through investment in leisure and entertainment.