A substantial investment backed by Saudi Arabia is set to bring the vibrant world of Dragon Ball Z to life in Europe with the announcement of a new theme park near Paris, France. Valued at approximately €6 billion (around $7 billion), this ambitious project promises to reshape the entertainment landscape in the region.
The announcement came from the Élysée Palace on Monday, coinciding with the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Paris. Reports indicate that the inspiration for this venture was born during a previous visit when the Crown Prince and French President Emmanuel Macron discovered their mutual admiration for the iconic anime franchise. The planned site for the park is located northwest of Paris, near the area of Cergy-Pontoise, a location that is expected to benefit economically and socially from the development.
Projected to generate approximately 22,000 new jobs, the theme park is not only a cultural milestone but also a significant economic stimulus for the local community, promising wide-ranging impacts during both its construction phase and operational period.
Expanding a Growing Franchise
The investment will be fully financed by Qiddiya, a Saudi entertainment and investment group already known for spearheading the country’s first Dragon Ball theme park. That initial park is currently under construction in Qiddiya City, an entertainment hub outside of Riyadh, marking Saudi Arabia’s commitment to expanding its entertainment sector.
The new Parisian park will become the second large-scale Dragon Ball-themed attraction worldwide, underscoring the franchise’s global appeal and the strategic partnership between France and Saudi Arabia in developing cutting-edge entertainment destinations. While detailed plans and features of the French park have yet to be disclosed, this initiative signals a remarkable fusion of cultural enthusiasm and international collaboration.
