French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have finalized a major economic agreement during the Crown Prince's two-day state visit to France. The €6 billion (£5.13 billion) deal paves the way for the construction of three new theme parks near Paris. A standout highlight of the development will be a dedicated manga-themed destination inspired by the globally popular Japanese franchise Dragon Ball Z.
Shared Culture and Project Background
The origins of the entertainment project stem from personal discussions between President Emmanuel Macron and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Strategic advisers revealed that both leaders share an intense appreciation for Japanese manga and anime, specifically highlighting Dragon Ball Z. President Macron has frequently shown his admiration for Japanese pop culture, having closed out a high-profile press conference alongside Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi earlier this year by performing a signature pose from the Dragon Ball series. This mutual enthusiasm helped anchor the landmark agreement between the two nations.
Location, Timeline, and Scope
The upcoming entertainment destination is slated for development near Cergy-Pontoise. Local media reports suggest the development could occupy the site of the former Mirapolis amusement park in Val-d'Oise, which shut its doors 35 years ago. President Macron emphasized the sheer ambition of the initiative, noting that France has not seen a development on this scale since the building of Disneyland Paris. Although the Élysée Palace has not established a fixed opening date, the complex is scheduled to open progressively in distinct phases, with full construction expected to span several years.
Economic Impact and Diplomatic Ties
Beyond its entertainment appeal, the €6 billion investment underscores expanding economic and geopolitical ties between France and Saudi Arabia. Estimates provided by the Élysée Palace indicate that the creation and operation of the three parks will generate approximately 2,000 new jobs. The state visit by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also encompasses the signing of key bilateral agreements across healthcare, transportation, and energy sectors. Furthermore, diplomatic talks covered high-level geopolitical topics, including regional security, Middle Eastern stability, and ongoing friction between the United States and Iran. Reflecting on the visit in a post on X, Macron highlighted the two-day summit as an important milestone, emphasizing that France and Saudi Arabia consistently collaborate to foster peace throughout the region.
