Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya Investment Company is preparing to bring the world of Dragon Ball to France as part of a massive $7 billion entertainment development.
France and Saudi Arabia announced the €6 billion agreement during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Paris. The proposed resort will be constructed near Cergy-Pontoise, northwest of the French capital.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Élysée Palace – Mirror Now, YouTube
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According to Reuters, the sprawling destination will include three separate theme parks. At least one will reportedly draw inspiration from Akira Toriyama’s enormously popular Dragon Ball franchise.
Significant details, including the complete lineup of parks, attractions, and hotels, remain undecided. However, representatives from the French government suggest the new attraction could create approximately 22,000 jobs. If the project comes to fruition, it will rank among Europe’s largest entertainment resorts.
Macron Touts Massive Theme Park Investment
French President Emmanuel Macron described the resort as the country’s most ambitious theme park investment since Disneyland Paris.
“You know my passion for manga,” Macron wrote on social media. “You also know my determination to attract to France the investments that create jobs and make the most ambitious projects possible.”
He called the resort a “new global destination.”
Une annonce hors normes.
Vous connaissez mon intérêt pour les mangas. Vous savez aussi ma détermination à attirer en France les investissements qui créent des emplois et rendent possibles les projets les plus ambitieux.
Avec l’Arabie saoudite, nous faisons une annonce sans…
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) August 24, 2026
The project reportedly originated after Macron and bin Salman discovered their shared enthusiasm for Dragon Ball Z during the French president’s visit to Saudi Arabia in 2025.
Although Dragon Ball Z is popular around the globe, the announcement has been met with some backlash. Some users online have questioned France’s decision to partner with Saudi Arabia on the project. Others have challenged Macron’s priorities, arguing that the government should instead increase investments in hospitals and schools.
Qiddiya Is Already Building a Dragon Ball Theme Park
Qiddiya will finance the development as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader effort to diversify its economy and expand its international presence in tourism and entertainment.
In March 2024, the company announced the world’s first dedicated Dragon Ball theme park at Qiddiya City, a new entertainment destination outside Riyadh.
A screenshot from Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero (2024), Spike Chunsoft
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That park will cover more than 500,000 square meters and feature seven themed areas representing the franchise’s seven Dragon Balls. Visitors will encounter familiar locations such as Kame House, Capsule Corporation, and Beerus’ Planet.
More than 30 attractions and experiences are planned, including five major rides. The centerpiece will be a roller coaster running through a towering, 70-meter recreation of Shenron.
The Saudi destination will also contain themed hotels, restaurants, and other amenities intended to keep guests immersed in the Dragon Ball universe for several days.
Major Questions Remain Unanswered
It remains unclear whether the French park will reproduce those attractions or feature an entirely different design. Qiddiya has not released concept art or specific plans for the Cergy-Pontoise development.
The announcement may also be more preliminary than its presentation suggests. Le Monde reported that the project has not yet secured authorization from the Japanese companies controlling the Dragon Ball license. Qiddiya has described the agreement as an opportunity to explore a potential French entertainment destination.
A screenshot from Dragon Ball DAIMA (2024), Toei Animation
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No opening date has been announced. Construction is expected to take several years, and the three parks will likely open in stages.
If the necessary licensing and development agreements are completed, the project could establish France as the home of the world’s second major Dragon Ball theme park—and give Disneyland Paris an enormous new competitor.
What do you think about a Dragon Ball Z theme park in France? Sound off and let us know!
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