Saudi Arabia to invest 6 billion euros in French theme park project

Saudi Arabia plans to invest 6 billion euros into the French entertainment market to develop a major theme park complex near Paris. Announced by President Emmanuel Macron, the project involves the construction of three theme parks in Cergy-Pontoise, specifically on the site of the former Mirapolis park. The development is expected to be led by the Qiddiya Investment Company, a subsidiary of the Saudi sovereign wealth fund.

The project aims to create approximately 22,000 direct jobs and could potentially impact up to 80,000 indirect positions. Beyond attractions, the plan includes hotels, restaurants, housing for students and young workers, and 50,000 square meters of green space for biodiversity. One of the parks may be themed around the Dragon Ball Z anime franchise.

While some officials have welcomed the investment, the announcement has also drawn scrutiny. Critics have raised questions regarding the lack of a detailed business plan, timeline, or construction permits, noting that the projected employment figures mirror those of Disneyland Paris, which took decades to establish.