France and Saudi Arabia are partnering to build three manga-inspired theme parks near Paris, including a dedicated Dragon Ball Z park [1, 2].
The project represents a significant shift in European leisure tourism and a deepening of economic ties between President Emmanuel Macron and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. By targeting the global popularity of Japanese animation, the partnership aims to create new jobs and boost tourism in the region [3].
The total investment for the megaproject is €6 billion, which is approximately $7 billion [1, 3]. Other reports value the investment at £5.13 billion [1]. While the exact site near Paris has not been disclosed, the scale of the development is intended to match the presence of Disneyland Paris [1, 2, 4].
The initiative focuses on the massive appeal of manga and anime, specifically leveraging the brand power of Dragon Ball Z to draw international crowds [1, 2]. The collaboration combines French land and infrastructure with Saudi capital to establish a new entertainment hub in Europe [3].
Officials said the project will serve as a catalyst for economic growth. The development of three separate parks allows for a diversified experience, ranging from specific series like Dragon Ball Z to broader manga themes [1, 2].
“A €6 billion investment will create three parks, including a Dragon Ball Z destination.”
This partnership signals a strategic move by Saudi Arabia to diversify its international investments into the entertainment sector while France seeks to modernize its tourism offerings. By utilizing the global cultural phenomenon of manga, the two nations are attempting to capture a younger, international demographic that has traditionally been underserved by traditional European theme parks.
