Saudi Arabia to Invest $7B in Theme Parks Near Paris

On Monday, France and Saudi Arabia signed a memorandum of understanding for a €6 billion ($7 billion) investment to create three theme parks near Paris, as announced by the French presidency. The agreement was signed during a two-day visit by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The parks will be constructed near Cergy-Pontoise, approximately 30 kilometers northwest of Paris. French President Emmanuel Macron described the project as a “colossal” investment and an “unprecedented announcement,” stating it would become a “new global destination.” The Qiddiya investment firm, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, will lead the project, which is expected to generate around 22,000 direct jobs.

The parks will be developed in stages, with one park confirmed to be manga-themed, stemming from discussions between Macron and the Crown Prince in December 2024 in Riyadh. The themes of the other two parks have not yet been disclosed, and no opening date has been provided.