Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) signed multiple health, transport and energy agreements with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. The talks also covered a Dragon Ball‑themed amusement park and regional security cooperation.

  • MBS and Macron signed multi‑sector agreements covering health, transport and energy.
  • A Dragon Ball‑themed amusement park project could become a flagship Saudi‑French investment.
  • Strategic discussions focused on bypassing the Strait of Hormuz with new pipelines and ports.

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) arrived in Paris on 24 August 2026 for a two‑day state visit, meeting French President Emmanuel Macron. The trip opened with the closing ceremony of the Esports World Cup, marking the first time the tournament was held outside Saudi Arabia.

On the second day, the leaders signed several bilateral agreements. French media reported that a Saudi‑funded Dragon Ball‑themed amusement park – likened to Disneyland in scale – is slated for the Île‑de‑France region after 18 months of planning.

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The health, transport and energy accords are expected to deepen economic interdependence. In particular, discussions on new pipelines, capacity upgrades and alternative port networks aim to create routes that bypass the Strait of Hormuz, reducing reliance on a waterway currently disrupted by the U.S.–Israel‑Iran conflict.

France is a major buyer of Saudi oil and mineral products. Since the February 28 war began, Hormuz shipping disruptions have pushed Brent crude from $66 to over $119 per barrel, with current prices around $93. The new energy cooperation could help stabilize prices for both markets.

Security talks covered the war in Iran, the ongoing bloodshed in Palestine, and developments in Syria and Lebanon, where Israel occupies roughly one‑fifth of the territory. Both leaders also reviewed the upcoming Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, events Saudi Arabia plans to host.

Historically, this is MBS’s third visit to France after trips in 2022 and 2023. In December 2024, Macron visited Riyadh, where the two nations launched the Saudi‑French Strategic Partnership Council, formalising political and economic ties. The current trip also marks MBS’s first foreign trip after signing the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement (Mecca Pact) with Turkey and Pakistan.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that these agreements not only deepen economic ties but also position France as a strategic gateway for Saudi Arabia’s diversification away from traditional Western security frameworks.

"Saudi Arabia’s expanding partnership with France signals a shift in global power dynamics, especially in energy and defense," says international relations expert Dr. Ali Ahmed.
Did You Know?: A Dragon Ball‑themed park in France would be the first large‑scale anime‑based attraction on the continent, potentially boosting tourism across Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Will the Dragon Ball park compete with existing European theme parks?

A: Analysts believe its unique pop‑culture branding will attract a global audience, though it must meet local environmental and regulatory standards.

Q2: How will the visit affect France‑Saudi trade?

A: With a near‑balanced trade balance, the new agreements are expected to diversify exports and imports for both nations, strengthening economic resilience.