Dragon Ball-inspired theme park to be built near Paris
France and Saudi Arabia have agreed to a €6bn deal to build three theme parks near Paris, including one inspired by the Dragon Ball Z manga franchise. The project, led by the Qiddiya Investment Company, aims to strengthen cultural and economic ties between the two nations.
Why it matters
This project represents a significant cross-cultural investment and a deepening of diplomatic relations between France and Saudi Arabia, while highlighting the global commercial influence of Japanese pop culture.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Macron and bin Salman share a passion for Dragon Ball Z, according to the Élysée
Three theme parks will be built near Paris as part of a €6bn (£5.13bn) deal agreed between France and Saudi Arabia.
The new development is expected to include a manga-themed park, inspired by the popular Japanese franchise Dragon Ball Z.
French President Emmanuel Macron hailed the move as on a scale not seen "since Disneyland Paris", and added "you know my interest for manga".
An opening date for the parks - which will be built near Cergy-Pontoise - has not set by the Élysée Palace, but they will open in stages and construction is expected to take years.
The project was given the green light during a two-day state visit to France by Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
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