A groundbreaking partnership between France and Saudi Arabia has been announced, aiming to develop an ambitious entertainment project featuring three new theme parks in Cergy-Pontoise, a suburb located just northwest of Paris. Noteworthy among these parks is one inspired by the immensely popular anime and manga franchise, Dragon Ball Z, a project that highlights the growing influence of global pop culture.
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The official announcement was made on August 24, 2026, following a meeting between French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Macron expressed his enthusiasm for the project, noting, “nothing like this has been seen since Disneyland Paris.” He further shared his love for manga and emphasised his commitment to attracting significant investments that create job opportunities within France.
The ambitious venture, which is estimated to cost around €6 billion (approximately $7 billion), is primarily backed by Qiddiya, a Saudi-owned entertainment and investment group. This initiative represents Saudi Arabia’s ongoing strategy to diversify its economy away from oil reliance toward tourism and entertainment, a sector it is keen to develop in the coming years.
French governmental sources indicated that the project’s inception stemmed from discussions during Macron’s visit to Saudi Arabia in 2025. During this visit, he discovered a mutual admiration for Dragon Ball Z with Crown Prince Mohammed, which ultimately inspired the concept of establishing a themed park based on the iconic franchise.
Originally emerging in the late 1980s as a popular Japanese anime television series, Dragon Ball Z gained immense success, leading to a wide array of films, video games, and merchandise. By introducing a dedicated theme park, the project seeks to leverage the franchise’s widespread popularity and create an immersive experience for fans.
In addition to the Dragon Ball Z attraction, the three theme parks together are predicted to generate approximately 22,000 jobs in the region, a significant boost for the local economy. This aligns with broader efforts by the French government to create a dynamic employment landscape and support innovative projects.
The project is part of a larger trend in Europe toward expansive theme park developments. For example, in June 2023, Comcast unveiled plans to invest more than £6 billion in constructing Universal’s first European resort in Bedfordshire, England. Set to include several themed areas, innovative attractions, and accommodation, the park is slated to open to the public in 2031.
As for the timeline regarding the Dragon Ball Z theme park in France, specific details have yet to be disclosed. However, Qiddiya representatives have indicated that the agreement with the French government allows for further exploration and development of this entertainment-focused destination.
In conjunction with the impending theme parks, Qiddiya has made significant strides in its own investment scene. Last December, the group opened Six Flags Qiddiya City near Riyadh, introducing a theme park that boasts several record-breaking attractions, including the world’s highest and fastest roller coaster, Falcon’s Flight.
This emerging collaboration between France and Saudi Arabia thus stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry and the internationalisation of favourite global franchises. As enthusiasts await further updates on the Dragon Ball Z park, there is much anticipation regarding the role this project will play in shaping the cultural and economic fabric of the region.
Through this joint venture, both countries are not only looking to enhance their tourism offerings but are also signalling a commitment to blend cultural elements from around the globe, setting the stage for a new era of entertainment in Europe.