Saudi Arabia to invest $7 billion in three theme parks near Paris

Saudi Arabia is set to invest 6 billion euros ($7 billion) in a major project to develop three theme parks near Paris, France. The agreement, signed during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit, marks a significant step in cultural and economic cooperation between the two nations.

The project, spearheaded by Qiddiya, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, aims to establish a "new global destination." The presidency of French President Emmanuel Macron estimates the parks will generate 22,000 direct jobs, potentially rivaling the employment numbers of Disneyland Paris.

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unprecedented announcement

One of the proposed parks will be dedicated to manga, a theme reportedly stemming from a shared passion for Japanese animation discovered between Macron and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The themes for the other two parks remain undisclosed. Construction is expected to occur in stages over several years, with no specific opening date announced.

During the Saudi prince's visit, two other significant contracts were finalized: CMA CGM will assist in developing Saudi Arabia's Jeddah Islamic Port for $434 million, and Alstom will supply metro carriages for Riyadh's metro system for $580 million.

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new global destination