Saudi Arabia Unveils €6bn Theme Park Investment Near Paris, 22,000 Jobs Expected

Saudi Arabia is set to invest €6 billion in the development of three theme parks near Paris, in a major tourism project expected to create about 22,000 jobs.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced the investment on Monday following talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his official visit to Paris.

The parks are planned for Cergy-Pontoise, northwest of the French capital, on the former site of the Mirapolis theme park. One of the attractions is expected to feature a manga theme.

Macron described the project as an “extraordinary announcement”, saying the development could establish a new international tourist destination and represent the largest theme-park investment in France since Disneyland Paris.

Saudi investment firm Qiddiya is expected to lead the development of the project.

Valérie Pécresse, president of the Île-de-France regional council, welcomed the announcement, saying the region had supported the project for the past 18 months.

The investment comes as France seeks to strengthen its position as the world’s leading tourist destination while attracting major international investment and creating jobs.