France and Saudi Arabia agreed Monday to build three theme parks near Paris, including one based on manga [1], [2].
The deal signals a deepening of economic ties between the two nations, blending large-scale tourism infrastructure with cultural diplomacy. It marks a significant infusion of Saudi capital into the French leisure sector.
Saudi Arabia will invest approximately €6 billion, or about $7 billion, into the project [1]. The agreement was reached Aug. 24 during a visit to Paris by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman [2], [4].
While some reports describe the manga-themed park specifically as a Dragon Ball Z park [1], [3], other sources describe it more broadly as manga-themed [2], [4]. The project reportedly grew from a shared passion for the manga series between President Emmanuel Macron and the Crown Prince [2], [5].
The theme parks are part of a wider package of economic cooperation deals between the two governments. These agreements span several sectors, including defense, energy, artificial intelligence, and tourism [2], [5].
Construction will take place in the vicinity of Paris [1], [3]. The project is intended to bolster tourism in the region while providing a physical manifestation of the cultural exchange between the Middle East and Europe [2].
“Saudi Arabia will invest approximately €6 billion, or about $7 billion, into the project.”
This investment reflects the Saudi government's broader strategy to diversify its economy and expand its global cultural footprint. By aligning a massive infrastructure project with popular Japanese media—which has a significant following in both France and Saudi Arabia—the two nations are using 'soft power' to cement a strategic partnership that extends beyond traditional oil and defense contracts.
