Imagine landing in Paris and heading straight to Kame House instead of the Eiffel Tower. That fantasy just moved closer to reality. France and Saudi Arabia have approved a massive Dragon Ball Z theme park project, and it could become one of Europe’s biggest new tourist attractions.
The two countries signed a deal worth €6 billion, or roughly $7 billion. The park will rise near Cergy-Pontoise, northwest of Paris. Officials expect the wider development to create 22,000 jobs. For travelers who already love exploring Paris, this project promises a brand new reason to plan a return trip.
France and Saudi Arabia Sign the Deal
French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met on August 23 and 24. They signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday. The agreement covers a huge entertainment complex near Paris. Qiddiya, an investment arm of Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, will lead the project.
The deal forms part of a bigger package of agreements. MBS’s state visit also included deals on energy, defense, AI, and tourism. Macron called the theme park project “extraordinary.” He said it would create a new global destination on the scale of Disneyland Paris, a comparison that already has travel fans excited.
Where the Dragon Ball Z Theme Park Will Rise
The complex will sit near Cergy-Pontoise in the Val-d’Oise region. This area lies about 30 kilometers northwest of central Paris, making it an easy day trip from the city center. Reports point to the former Mirapolis site in Courdimanche as the likely location. That park closed back in 1991 and has stayed largely empty since.
The site already connects to Paris through the RER A train line. That link makes the location easy to reach for tourists using public transport. Officials have not confirmed the exact plot size yet. Still, the area offers rare open space for a project this large, and its transport access could turn it into a must-visit stop on any Paris itinerary.
What the €6 Billion Investment Actually Covers
Many headlines describe this as a $7 billion Dragon Ball Z theme park deal. That figure actually covers three separate theme parks, not just one. The complex will also include hotels, leisure facilities, and cultural spaces for visitors. So the Dragon Ball attraction represents only part of the total investment.
The first park will focus on manga and anime, with Dragon Ball as its centerpiece. The other two parks have not been announced yet. French officials describe the whole site as a mixed-use travel destination. Construction will happen in stages, with a target completion around 2032.
Saudi Arabia’s Dragon Ball Park Sets the Bar
Qiddiya is already building the world’s first Dragon Ball theme park near Riyadh. Toei Animation announced that project back in 2024. The Saudi park will cover more than 500,000 square meters. It will feature seven zones inspired by iconic Dragon Ball locations.
Visitors will explore areas like Kame House, Capsule Corporation, and Beerus’s Planet. The park will include more than 30 attractions and five major themed rides. A 70-meter Shenron statue will anchor the site and house a roller coaster. Falcon’s Creative Group is designing the attractions alongside Toei Animation, aiming to make the site a bucket-list destination for anime fans worldwide.
Why Macron and MBS Chose Dragon Ball
The idea traces back to a conversation between Macron and MBS in December 2024. The two leaders met in Riyadh and discovered a shared love of manga. They specifically bonded over Dragon Ball Z, according to a French presidential adviser. That personal connection helped shape the Paris project.
Dragon Ball started as a manga series by Akira Toriyama in 1984. It later became a global anime phenomenon through Dragon Ball Z. Characters like Goku, Vegeta, and Shenron are recognized worldwide. The franchise now reaches fans through TV shows, games, films, and merchandise, giving the park a built-in global fanbase of eager travelers.
No Opening Date Confirmed Yet
Officials have not announced a firm opening date for the Paris park. They also have not released a detailed ride lineup. What we know so far comes from comparisons to the Saudi project. The French version is expected to be smaller than its Saudi counterpart.
Construction will take several years to complete. The Val-d’Oise regional government has welcomed the news. Officials there compare its potential impact to the arrival of Disneyland Paris decades ago. However, final designs and attraction names could still change before ground is broken, so travel planners should wait for confirmed details.
What This Means for Anime Fans and Tourism
A dedicated Dragon Ball Z theme park could reshape tourism near Paris entirely. Most visitors currently focus on landmarks, museums, and historic sites during their trip. This project would add a fresh experience aimed squarely at anime fans. It could also draw younger travelers and international families planning a European vacation.
The park fits into Macron’s broader Choose France investment strategy. That program aims to attract global companies and job-creating projects. For Saudi Arabia, the deal expands its growing footprint in global entertainment tourism. Qiddiya already runs major projects in gaming, sports, and now European theme parks, and this Paris expansion could turn the region into a genuine travel hub for anime tourism.
FAQs
1. Where will the Dragon Ball Z theme park be built?
The park will be built near Cergy-Pontoise, about 30 kilometers northwest of Paris. Reports point to the former Mirapolis site in Courdimanche.
2. How much does the Paris theme park project cost?
The total investment is around €6 billion, or about $7 billion. This amount covers three planned theme parks, not just the Dragon Ball attraction.
3. How many jobs will the project create?
French officials expect the development to create about 22,000 jobs. This figure applies to the entire complex, including hotels and leisure spaces.
4. When will the Dragon Ball Z theme park open?
No official opening date has been confirmed. Construction will happen in stages, with completion expected around 2032.
5. Is there another Dragon Ball theme park elsewhere?
Yes, Qiddiya is already building a Dragon Ball theme park near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. That park spans over 500,000 square meters and features more than 30 attractions.
