France and Saudi Arabia have officially solidified a landmark agreement, with the Kingdom committing $7 billion toward the development of three major theme parks located on the outskirts of Paris. This ambitious project, spearheaded by the Saudi-owned investment firm Qiddiya, is set to rise near Cergy-Pontoise and is being touted by French President Emmanuel Macron as a transformative global destination. Officials estimate that the parks will generate approximately 22,000 direct jobs, potentially surpassing the employment impact of Disneyland Paris.

The initiative finds its roots in a shared interest in pop culture between President Macron and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, specifically their mutual appreciation for manga and the iconic Dragon Ball Z series. Consequently, one of the three planned parks will be dedicated to manga, while details regarding the themes of the remaining two locations remain under wraps. As the project moves into the construction phase, it signals a deeper economic cooperation between the two nations, further highlighted by additional contracts involving French firms CMA CGM for port development and Alstom for metro infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.