|
contents | business | |||||||||
| Macron announces €6 billion Saudi-backed theme park project French President Emmanuel Macron announced a €6 billion Saudi-backed investment to develop three theme parks in Cergy-Pontoise, northwest of Paris, describing the project as unprecedented and the biggest development of its kind in France since Disneyland Paris. Macron on Monday said the project, backed by Saudi Arabia's Qiddiya, is expected to create 22,000 jobs and establish a new global entertainment destination in France. The French president said three theme parks would be developed in Cergy-Pontoise under the €6 billion investment, adding that the scale of the project had not been seen in France since Disneyland Paris. The announcement came during Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman's visit to France. The project will include a major theme park inspired by the Japanese manga and anime franchise Dragon Ball, according to details reported following the announcement. It will be financed by Qiddiya as part of the Saudi entertainment developer's growing international footprint. The Saudi-backed development would represent one of the largest recent investments in France's leisure and entertainment sector. Macron drew a direct comparison with Disneyland Paris, which has attracted more than €13 billion in investment since opening in 1992 and supports tens of thousands of jobs. Qiddiya is a Public Investment Fund portfolio company and a central component of Saudi Arabia's efforts to develop its entertainment, sports and culture sectors. Its flagship Qiddiya City development near Riyadh includes Six Flags Qiddiya City, Aquarabia, a gaming and esports district and the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium. write your comments about the article :: © 2026 Construction News :: home page |