Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has reached an agreement to build a Dragon Ball-themed amusement park in a suburb of Paris [1, 2].
The project represents a strategic effort by Saudi Arabia to diversify its economy and expand its global cultural soft power through high-profile entertainment investments [3, 4].
Announced in the spring of 2024 [1, 3], the venture involves a massive financial commitment. Funding for the project is estimated at approximately 1 trillion yen [1]. While the agreement with French authorities in the Paris metropolitan area is established, the exact site for the construction has not been disclosed [1, 2].
The choice of the Dragon Ball franchise reflects the global reach of Japanese media and the Crown Prince's interest in integrating popular culture into large-scale infrastructure. This development follows a broader pattern of the Kingdom investing in sports and entertainment to shift its international image [3, 4].
Observers have noted the unconventional nature of the partnership. Akira Ikegami said the move was something that would have been unthinkable in the past [3].
The project will require significant coordination between Saudi investors and Paris-suburban officials to navigate local zoning, and environmental regulations. It stands as one of the largest single-themed entertainment investments in Europe, blending Japanese intellectual property with Saudi capital and French geography [1, 2].
“Funding for the project is estimated at approximately 1 trillion yen.”
This investment signals a shift in Saudi Arabia's 'Vision 2030' strategy, moving beyond domestic tourism to establishing cultural anchors in Western capitals. By leveraging the global popularity of anime, the Kingdom is attempting to build a modern, entertainment-focused brand identity that appeals to younger, international demographics while strengthening economic ties with France.
