French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed an agreement Monday to build three Saudi-funded theme parks near Paris [1], [3].
The deal represents a massive influx of foreign capital into the French leisure sector and aims to strengthen economic ties between the two nations [5].
The protocol of agreement, signed on Aug. 24 [3], focuses on the Val-d’Oise region near Cergy-Pontoise [1], [2]. This investment totals six billion euros [1]. One of the three planned parks will feature a manga theme [2].
President Macron said the scale of the project was "unprecedented since Disneyland Paris" [2]. The project is projected to generate 22,000 jobs [2].
While the agreement emphasizes economic growth, some critics have questioned the cultural direction of the parks. Nicolas de Villiers said, "Why not promote French civilization?" [5].
The parks will be located on the outskirts of the capital, marking a significant shift in the urban development of the Cergy-Pontoise area [1], [4]. The agreement establishes a framework for the Saudi funding of the infrastructure and operations of the three sites [3], [4].
“"Du jamais vu depuis Disneyland Paris"”
This agreement signals a deepening strategic partnership between Paris and Riyadh, moving beyond energy and security into large-scale commercial infrastructure. By placing these parks in the Val-d'Oise region, the French government is attempting to decentralize tourism away from the city center while utilizing Saudi capital to stimulate employment in the suburbs.
