France and Saudi Arabia Sign Major Investment Agreement for Theme Parks
On Monday, France and Saudi Arabia took a significant step forward by signing a memorandum of understanding that will kickstart a remarkable €6 billion ($7 billion) investment aimed at developing three theme parks near Paris. This endeavor, announced during a two-day visit from Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, includes the potential for a manga-themed park, as highlighted by the Élysée presidential palace.
Details of the Investment
The agreement was celebrated by French President Emmanuel Macron, who referred to it as an “unprecedented announcement” on social media, emphasizing that these attractions will transform the area into a “new global destination.” Located near Cergy-Pontoise, approximately 30 kilometers northwest of Paris, the parks are expected to create around 22,000 direct jobs—surpassing the roughly 20,000 jobs provided by Disneyland Paris.
Project Management and Themes
This ambitious project will be led by Qiddiya, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund. A statement from Macron’s office revealed that the idea originated from a discussion in December 2024 between the Crown Prince and the President, where they discovered their mutual enthusiasm for manga, particularly “Dragon Ball Z.” While there were unverified reports during the summer about a park dedicated to this iconic franchise in the Val-d’Oise region, official confirmation has now disclosed that at least one park will indeed be manga-themed. The themes for the other two parks remain undisclosed.
Project Timeline and Controversies
The parks will be developed and opened gradually, with construction projected to span several years, although no specific opening date has been announced. When asked about undertaking such a project with Riyadh, despite ongoing criticisms of its human rights record, Macron’s office stated, “At no point, when we attract a project, do we seek to lecture others.”
Political Context and Reactions
France is eager to showcase that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who rarely travels abroad except for international summits, chose France for this significant visit—a move interpreted as a strong indicator of the robust Franco-Saudi relationship. However, his visit has not been without controversy. Three journalists’ unions protested, citing ongoing investigations related to the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who was killed in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018. There is a live investigation into accusations of torture and forced disappearance linked to Khashoggi’s death, with U.S. intelligence concluding that MBS was directly involved.
The unions criticized Macron’s choice to host the Crown Prince, arguing it undermines efforts to promote media freedom and expression. Their joint statement described the visit as a “provocation” for supporters of these values.
Looking Ahead
Saudi Arabia is poised to host several key global events in the coming years, including Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup. As a close ally of the United States, the kingdom is attentively monitoring developments in the region, particularly concerning Iran amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Conclusion
The signing of this memorandum of understanding signifies a notable collaboration between France and Saudi Arabia, marked by an exciting investment in theme parks. While the project promises substantial economic benefits, it also brings forth important discussions about human rights and international relations.
- The agreement includes a €6 billion investment for three theme parks near Paris.
- Expected to create around 22,000 jobs, surpassing Disneyland Paris’s job creation.
- Focus on manga, with one park explicitly themed around it.
- Controversy surrounds the human rights record of Saudi Arabia amid the Crown Prince’s visit.