Saudi Arabia is investing €6 billion [1] to build three [2] anime-themed theme parks in Cergy-Pontoise, located northwest of Paris [3].
The venture represents a strategic move to capitalize on the global popularity of Japanese animation while strengthening tourism ties between Saudi Arabia and Europe.
Plans for the development were first announced in 2024. Construction is slated to begin later this year [4]. The project will focus on immersive experiences, featuring attractions based on the Dragon Ball Z franchise [5].
Located in the Cergy-Pontoise region [3], the development aims to create a major tourism hub outside the immediate center of the French capital. The investment of €6 billion [1] marks a significant financial commitment to the European leisure sector.
Saudi Arabia has increasingly looked toward international tourism and entertainment ventures to diversify its economic interests. By partnering with France to build these three [2] parks, the kingdom seeks to attract a demographic of fans that spans across continents.
The project integrates French land and infrastructure with Saudi capital to bring anime culture to a physical space in Europe. This partnership follows a trend of large-scale entertainment investments designed to boost regional travel, and spending.
“Saudi Arabia is investing €6 billion to build three anime-themed theme parks.”
This investment signals Saudi Arabia's intent to project soft power through global pop-culture assets. By establishing a permanent anime footprint in France, the kingdom is not only diversifying its portfolio but also leveraging the immense commercial appeal of Japanese intellectual property to drive tourism between the Middle East and Europe.
