France and Saudi Arabia are set to embark on a transformative project that includes a six billion euro ($7 billion) amusement park near Paris. This ambitious plan was solidified following discussions between French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) at the Elysee Palace. The park is part of a broader strategy to enhance economic and defense cooperation between the two nations.
Details of the Amusement Park Project
Macron’s administration revealed that the theme park will consist of three distinct attractions, one of which is anticipated to focus on manga, near Cergy-Pontoise, about 30 kilometers northwest of Paris. This extensive project is expected to generate approximately 22,000 jobs and will be spearheaded by Qiddiya, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund. Macron described the park as “extraordinary,” aiming to create a “new global destination” comparable to Disneyland Paris. He expressed gratitude to Qiddiya and Saudi Arabia for trusting French talent, framing this investment as a key element of his “Choose France” initiative aimed at attracting foreign investments that generate employment. “We’re not done surprising the world. Very proud of this achievement,” he noted.
Background and Discussions Leading to the Deal
The roots of this project can be traced back to a conversation between Macron and MBS in December 2024 in Riyadh, where they discovered shared enthusiasm for manga, particularly “Dragon Ball Z,” as reported by a French presidential adviser. Alongside the entertainment venture, several additional agreements were signed, encompassing sectors such as energy, artificial intelligence, transportation, and healthcare. Notably, a letter of intent was also established to enhance defense collaboration by exchanging expertise in cybersecurity, military training, and AI development.
Broader Implications for France-Saudi Arabia Relations
The Saudi defense sector represents a significant opportunity for French defense manufacturers as the kingdom seeks new strategic alliances. French officials are intent on maintaining their influence and partnership within Saudi Arabia’s defense landscape. During the prince’s visit, two additional contracts were announced involving French enterprises: a $434 million deal with marine logistics company CMA CGM to develop the Jeddah Islamic Port and a $580 million agreement with Alstom to provide metro carriages for Riyadh’s metro system.
Regional Context and Joint Statements
This trip marks MBS’s third official visit to France and is particularly noteworthy as it follows his recent signing of the trilateral Mecca Joint Defense Agreement with Turkey and Pakistan. Beyond the economic collaborations, Macron and MBS also issued a joint statement addressing several critical regional issues. They called for a diplomatic resolution to US-Iran tensions and emphasized the need to restore normal shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, they expressed support for Palestinian statehood and condemned attacks from Yemen’s Houthi rebels on Saudi soil and commercial shipping.
In this multifaceted alliance, the focus on both economic partnerships and strategic defense signifies a pivotal shift in international relations for Saudi Arabia, as it seeks to strengthen its global standing while diversifying its alliances. The combination of these initiatives not only promises economic growth but also positions both nations as influential players in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.