Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) Confirms Major Investment for “Dragon Ball” Theme Park Near Paris
Paris, August 24, 2026 – Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) concluded his state visit to France by confirming a significant 6 billion euro investment for a new theme park complex near Paris. The ambitious project, which includes a park dedicated to the globally popular Japanese manga “Dragon Ball,” is expected to generate 22,000 direct and 80,000 indirect jobs, along with thousands of housing units.
A “Gigaproject” for the Île-de-France Region
The Elysee Palace confirmed on Monday evening the signing of a memorandum of understanding for this “gigaproject of investments” in Cergy-Pontoise. The Saudi investment is entirely self-funded and aims to revitalize the region’s economy. Valérie Pécresse, President of the Île-de-France Regional Council, stated on “Bonjour! La Matinale TF1” that the region has been working on this project for 18 months, comparing its scale to that of Disneyland Paris.
Project Origins and Location
The initiative stemmed from a discussion between French President Emmanuel Macron and Prince MBS in December 2024, sparked by their shared interest in manga. Cergy-Pontoise was selected as the site in April 2025 due to its excellent connectivity with Paris and its proximity to Disneyland. Discussions are underway to redevelop the former Mirapolis site in Courdimanche, a commune within the Cergy-Pontoise agglomeration. This abandoned plot of several dozen hectares, once home to a theme park that closed in 1991, is now slated for a grand revival.
What to Expect from the New Theme Park
The protocol outlines the creation of three theme parks, with “Dragon Ball” being the first confirmed theme. The other themes are yet to be finalized by the investors. The complex will also feature hotels and restaurants. This French project mirrors a similar “Dragon Ball” theme park announced in March 2024 for Qiddiya, near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. That 500,000 square meter park will include seven distinct “Dragon Ball” zones, thirty attractions, hotels, and restaurants, developed in partnership with Qiddiya Investment Company and Toei Animation.
The Enduring Appeal of “Dragon Ball”
Despite the passing of its creator, Akira Toriyama, in 2024, the “Dragon Ball” universe continues to thrive. First published in 1984, it remains one of the best-selling manga of all time, spawning numerous animated series, films, and video games. This enduring popularity explains the Saudi interest in the franchise. The epic saga of Son Goku, a martial arts prodigy protecting Earth from evil, has sold over 260 million copies worldwide, according to its publisher Shueisha.
The Driving Force: Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF)
The project is backed by the powerful Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), chaired by Mohammed bin Salman himself. The PIF has significantly invested in Japanese video game companies, holding over 8% of Nintendo’s capital and stakes in studios like Capcom. Mohammed Soliman, a researcher at the Middle East Institute in Washington, noted that Prince MBS finds Japanese soft power, particularly in gaming and esports, highly attractive. These investments align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy beyond oil and strengthen its soft power in a growing sector.
Local Concerns and Future Plans
While the project promises substantial economic benefits, some local residents and officials have raised concerns about the lack of consultation. Maryeme Bouslam, an opposition municipal councilor in Courdimanche, criticized the top-down approach from the Elysee, calling for greater involvement of residents and local communities. She suggested that a cultural, university, or research hub might be a more sustainable option for the site. The communist group in the regional council also highlighted the need for significant improvements in site accessibility, recalling that Mirapolis’s failure was partly due to poor transportation links. They called for urgent guarantees regarding consultation and environmental protection.
The French government, however, emphasizes the economic advantages. Valérie Pécresse stated, “France is the world’s leading tourist country, and we need these jobs, we need these investments.”
Source: https://www.tf1info.fr/societe/parc-d-attractions-sur-le-theme-de-dragon-ball-aux-portes-de-paris-six-choses-a-savoir-sur-ce-projet-porte-par-le-prince-saoudien-mbs-2460074.html
