France and Saudi Arabia have unveiled plans for a massive six-billion-euro ($7bn) amusement park project located near Cergy-Pontoise, roughly 30km northwest of Paris. The initiative, which emerged from a 2024 discussion in Riyadh where both leaders bonded over a shared interest in manga—specifically Dragon Ball Z—is set to be spearheaded by Qiddiya, an investment arm of the Saudi sovereign wealth fund. The development will feature three distinct theme parks and is projected to generate approximately 22,000 jobs. President Emmanuel Macron hailed the project as an “extraordinary” endeavor, describing it as a “new global destination” comparable to Disneyland Paris, and framed the investment as a significant success for his “Choose France” initiative aimed at attracting foreign capital.
The agreement was finalized during an official visit by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) to the Elysee Palace, marking his third trip to France. Beyond the theme park, the two nations signed a series of contracts covering energy, artificial intelligence, aviation financing, transport, and health. Among these, marine logistics firm CMA CGM secured a $434m deal to assist in the development of Jeddah Islamic Port on the Red Sea, while rail transport group Alstom finalized a $580m contract to supply carriages for the Riyadh metro system.
Defense cooperation also took center stage during the visit, with the signing of a letter of intent focused on cybersecurity, AI training, and military expertise. This move underscores the French government’s desire to maintain its position as a key strategic partner for Saudi Arabia, which is increasingly seeking to diversify its security alliances. This visit represents the Crown Prince’s first international travel since the recent signing of the trilateral Mecca Joint Defence Agreement with Turkiye and Pakistan.
In addition to economic and defense matters, the two leaders issued a joint statement addressing several geopolitical flashpoints. They advocated for a negotiated resolution to the conflict between the United States and Iran, while calling for the restoration of normal shipping operations through the Strait of Hormuz. The statement also welcomed the US-brokered agreement regarding the disarmament of Hamas, while simultaneously urging a sustainable ceasefire in the ongoing war in Gaza. Furthermore, the leaders affirmed their support for Palestinian statehood, demanded an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory, and condemned Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and commercial vessels. The two also expressed their commitment to the stability and recovery of Syria. The report also notes that framing the investment as a win for his “Choose France” drive to attract job-creating foreign capital.”We’re not done surprising the world, he thanked Qiddiya and Saudi Arabia for their “trust” in French talent. The report also notes that very proud of this achievement,” he added. The report also notes that “The French government wants to make sure it still has a hand in, is still working with Saudi Arabia on the country’s defence.”.
Source: Al Jazeera
