Saudi Arabia has pledged $7 billion to build a Dragon Ball Z theme park in Cergy‑Pontoise, France, promising 22,000 jobs and a tourism boost. The move is part of Riyadh’s broader cultural‑soft‑power strategy using its sovereign wealth fund.

  • Saudi Arabia commits $7 billion to a Dragon Ball Z theme park in Cergy‑Pontoise, France
  • The project is projected to create 22,000 jobs and significantly increase tourism revenue
  • It exemplifies Saudi’s use of its sovereign wealth fund to gain cultural influence worldwide

Project Overview

Saudi Arabia will finance a $7 billion Dragon Ball Z theme park in the Cergy‑Pontoise region, northwest of Paris. This will be the second such park globally, the first already under construction in Saudi’s Qiddiya City. French President Emmanuel Macron hailed the deal on X, noting his “passion for manga” and calling it a chance to bring “ambitious, job‑creating projects” to France.

Political Backdrop

The announcement followed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Paris. Reuters reports that the idea originated after Macron and the Crown Prince discovered a shared enthusiasm for Dragon Ball Z during Macron’s 2025 Saudi visit, cementing the partnership.

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Economic Impact

Macron described the park as the biggest entertainment investment in France since Disneyland Paris. With an estimated 22,000 jobs, the park is expected to lift France’s tourism earnings by roughly €1 billion annually. Construction will span several years, with no official opening date yet.

Saudi’s Soft‑Power Play

Saudi Arabia is leveraging its sovereign wealth fund to buy relevance in sports, entertainment, video games, and now anime. Critics argue the spending aims to distract from the kingdom’s human‑rights record, while supporters point to the economic opportunities for host countries.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the deal not only cements Saudi Arabia’s position as a global cultural investor but also signals a shift in European entertainment policy, where governments are increasingly courting sovereign wealth funds to finance large‑scale attractions.

"France’s partnership with Saudi capital could reshape the global theme‑park landscape, blending Eastern pop culture with Western tourism infrastructure," says international economics expert Dr. Lina Ahmed.
Did You Know?: The Qiddiya park in Riyadh is slated to open in 2029, meaning the French counterpart could become the world’s first operational Dragon Ball Z destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How much economic benefit is expected from the park?
A: Early estimates suggest up to €1 billion in annual tourism revenue and 22,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Q2: What is the public reaction in France?
A: While many see the investment as a job creator, human‑rights groups have raised concerns over Saudi Arabia’s governance and ethical implications.