Saudi Arabia Unveils €6 Billion Theme Park Venture Near Paris

In a monumental announcement, Saudi Arabia has committed €6 billion to establish three theme parks near Paris, including an anticipated manga-themed park, as part of an agreement forged during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s recent two-day visit to France.

The deal, signed at the Élysée presidential palace, aims to create a new global destination in the Cergy-Pontoise area, approximately 30 kilometers northwest of the French capital. French President Emmanuel Macron praised the investment, highlighting its potential to generate around 22,000 jobs, surpassing the employment figures seen at Disneyland Paris.

The project, spearheaded by the Qiddiya investment firm, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, reflects a shared enthusiasm between Macron and the Crown Prince for manga culture, sparked during discussions in December 2024.

While the manga-themed park is a notable highlight, Macron's office confirmed further details about the parks remain under wraps. The construction is expected to unfold over several years, with no specific opening dates announced.

Despite the ambitious project, the backdrop of the Crown Prince's visit has not been without controversy. Journalistic unions in France protested the presence of the Saudi leader, drawing attention to ongoing concerns over human rights abuses linked to his regime, particularly in light of the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which has continued to cast a shadow over Saudi-French relations.

Macron's office defended the engagement with Riyadh, stating that discussions about projects do not involve lecturing on human rights issues. As Saudi Arabia prepares to host significant global events, including the 2030 Expo and the 2034 World Cup, the dynamics of Franco-Saudi relations remain closely watched amidst regional tensions.

Source: www.france24.com