Saudi-backed Qiddiya is expanding its global entertainment ambitions through a major project in France, with an estimated $7 billion investment planned to develop three large-scale theme parks near Paris. The project represents another major step in Saudi Arabia’s growing presence in the global entertainment industry and its broader strategy of developing world-class destinations capable of attracting visitors from international markets.
A Major Entertainment Development Near Paris
The project is planned around Cergy-Pontoise, approximately 30 kilometres northwest of Paris, with the area expected to become the setting for a major cluster of large-scale entertainment experiences.
The development could create around 22,000 direct jobs, while generating broader economic opportunities across tourism, hospitality, transportation, restaurants, retail and other services connected to major entertainment destinations.
Its location near Paris would also give the project access to a substantial domestic and international visitor base, benefiting from the French capital’s position as one of the world’s leading tourism markets.
Dragon Ball Set to Enter the French Entertainment Scene
According to French officials, the development is expected to include a theme park inspired by Dragon Ball Z, one of the world’s most recognised and widely followed anime franchises.
The inclusion of the global entertainment brand could give the project significant international appeal by creating immersive experiences based on the Dragon Ball universe, its characters and storylines, potentially attracting fans across different age groups and markets.
The use of major global entertainment brands is increasingly becoming a central feature of modern destination development, combining rides, interactive experiences, live entertainment and themed attractions into a broader visitor experience.
Extending the Dragon Ball Project in Riyadh
The French development would also build on Qiddiya’s existing connection with the Dragon Ball franchise in Saudi Arabia, where the company is developing the world’s first dedicated Dragon Ball theme park near Riyadh.
Together, the two projects highlight Qiddiya’s strategy of combining international intellectual properties with large-scale destinations that bring together entertainment, technology, tourism and immersive experiences.
The presence of Dragon Ball projects in both Saudi Arabia and France could also expand the franchise’s international reach while allowing Qiddiya to develop entertainment experiences aimed at a global audience.
Qiddiya’s Growing International Expansion
The proposed investment in France would represent a significant expansion of Qiddiya’s international footprint, as the company’s major developments have primarily been centred in Saudi Arabia.
Beyond the size of the planned investment, the project could serve as a platform for international cooperation in destination development, project management, global entertainment partnerships and the creation of immersive visitor experiences.
The development could also support tourism and economic activity across the wider Paris region by attracting visitors from France and abroad, potentially increasing demand for hotels, transportation, restaurants, retail and other tourism-related services.
Project Details and Opening Timeline
While the investment plans and overall scale of the development have been outlined, no official opening date has yet been confirmed for the three planned theme parks.
Further details regarding the individual destinations, including their names, attractions, facilities and entertainment experiences, have also yet to be fully disclosed and are expected to emerge as the project progresses.
The international entertainment industry is also likely to closely follow the development of the project, particularly as additional information becomes available regarding potential partnerships, major attractions and the overall design of the three destinations.
A New Chapter in Global Entertainment
The proposed French development comes amid Saudi Arabia’s broader transformation of its entertainment, tourism, culture and sports sectors, supported by major investments and partnerships with internationally recognised brands.
Through its portfolio of projects, Qiddiya is seeking to build an integrated ecosystem of destinations combining entertainment, sports, culture and tourism, supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to diversify the economy, expand non-oil sectors and create new employment and investment opportunities.
If delivered as currently planned, the three theme parks near Paris could represent another important milestone in Qiddiya’s international expansion, connecting its major Saudi developments with new global markets and strengthening its position within the international entertainment industry.
