Saudi Arabia Invests $7 Billion in Dragon Ball Z Theme Park in France

Saudi Arabia announced a $7 billion investment to construct a Dragon Ball Z theme park in France, marking an expansion of the entertainment complex that the kingdom is simultaneously developing in its own territory. The project will be located in Cergy-Pontoise, a region northwest of Paris, and represents part of a larger leisure destination that will eventually house three theme parks. The announcement came during a visit by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the French capital.

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed enthusiasm for the project on X, writing: “You know my passion for manga. You also know my determination to attract to France the investments that create jobs and make the most ambitious projects possible.” He later added: “Nothing like this has been seen since Disneyland Paris. A new global destination. Here, in France.”

According to Reuters, the concept emerged from a shared interest between Macron and the Crown Prince in Dragon Ball Z, a connection that developed during Macron’s visit to Saudi Arabia in 2025. The theme park will be developed in partnership with Qiddiya, the organization overseeing a similar Dragon Ball Z park currently under construction in Riyadh.

The Saudi Investment Strategy in Global Entertainment

Saudi Arabia has increasingly deployed its sovereign wealth fund to establish presence across multiple entertainment and sports sectors. The country’s recent acquisitions and investments span professional golf, major video game publishers, professional sports franchises, and live entertainment events. This pattern reflects a deliberate strategy to expand Saudi Arabia’s cultural influence on the global stage.

Electronic Arts and Gaming Industry Acquisition

The kingdom completed the largest leveraged buyout in gaming history by acquiring Electronic Arts, the publisher behind major franchises including Battlefield and Madden NFL. The transaction has already prompted staffing concerns throughout the organization, with developers at the company bracing for potential mass layoffs following the closure of the deal. This acquisition places Saudi Arabia among the most influential stakeholders in the video game industry.

The EA acquisition demonstrated the kingdom’s willingness to deploy massive capital to acquire controlling stakes in established entertainment properties. The company carries billions in debt related to the leveraged buyout structure, indicating the scale of financing Saudi Arabia directed toward the transaction.

Live Entertainment and Sports Expansion

Beyond gaming and theme parks, Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in live entertainment performances and professional sports. The country has paid prominent performers, including comedian Dave Chappelle, substantial sums to perform at events in Riyadh. These investments serve to position Saudi Arabia as a destination for world-class entertainment.

Economic Impact and Regional Development

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The French government projects that the Dragon Ball Z theme park development will generate 22,000 jobs in the Cergy-Pontoise region. Macron emphasized this employment benefit in his public statements about the project, framing job creation as central to France’s strategy to attract major international investments. The development is positioned as part of “Choose France,” an initiative designed to secure transformative projects within French territory.

The scale of the investment—$7 billion—places it among the largest foreign direct investments France has received for entertainment infrastructure in recent years. The three-park complex will require significant construction of not only the attractions themselves but also supporting infrastructure including hotels, restaurants, and transportation facilities. No formal opening date has been announced, though officials acknowledge that construction will require several years to complete.

In his remarks, Macron stated: “Thank you to Qiddiya and Saudi Arabia for their trust in our country, in our talents, and in our future. This is the very essence of Choose France: to seek out the most ambitious projects and make France the country where they become reality. To create jobs. To make France shine. We’re not done surprising the world. Very proud of this achievement.”

The Dragon Ball Z Franchise as Entertainment Anchor

Dragon Ball Z stands as one of the most recognizable anime franchises globally, with sustained cultural relevance across multiple generations. The original Dragon Ball manga debuted in 1984, followed by Dragon Ball Z, which expanded the property into television, theatrical films, merchandise, and video games. The franchise continues to generate substantial revenue through multiple streams and maintains an active fanbase worldwide.

The selection of Dragon Ball Z as the anchor property for two major theme parks reflects both the franchise’s global recognition and its particular appeal across multiple regions. The choice demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s interest in acquiring entertainment properties with established international audiences rather than developing new intellectual properties from scratch.

Parallel Theme Park Development Strategy

The French park represents the second Dragon Ball Z dedicated theme park to be developed, with the first currently under construction in Qiddiya City, Riyadh. The parallel development of both parks in different regions suggests a coordinated strategy to establish the franchise as a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s broader entertainment and tourism portfolio.

Timeline, Location, and Infrastructure

The three-park complex in Cergy-Pontoise will integrate the Dragon Ball Z park alongside two additional themed attractions. Officials have not disclosed specific opening windows for any of the parks, stating only that construction will extend over several years. The lack of a defined timeline reflects the scale and complexity of the development.

Cergy-Pontoise is located approximately 25 kilometers northwest of central Paris, providing proximity to France’s largest metropolitan population center while maintaining adequate space for a major resort destination. The location offers access to existing transportation networks and a population base of several million potential visitors within reasonable travel distances.

Comparison to Disneyland Paris and International Context

The comparison Macron drew to Disneyland Paris underscores the scale at which France views this investment. Disneyland Paris, which opened in 1992, remains Europe’s most-visited theme park and generates billions in annual revenue. By framing the Dragon Ball Z development as comparable in scope and ambition, Macron positioned it as a destination capable of attracting sustained international tourism.

The investment also reflects broader geopolitical patterns wherein nations compete for cultural and soft power influence through entertainment properties. Saudi Arabia’s simultaneous investments across gaming, sports, live entertainment, and theme parks suggest a comprehensive strategy to embed the kingdom within global entertainment ecosystems.