France and Saudi Arabia unveil a €6 billion plan to build three amusement parks on the former Mirapolis site
Executive summary: On 24 August 2026, the French Presidency and Saudi Arabian officials signed an agreement to invest six billion euros in three new amusement parks to be built on the former Mirapolis theme park grounds. The project represents one of the largest private‑public leisure investments in Europe, aiming to stimulate tourism, create construction jobs, and strengthen Franco‑Saudi economic ties.
Who is involved: French President’s office (Élysée), Saudi Arabian investment representatives, and likely the French Ministry of Economy and Tourism.
Likely next: Details on financing, master‑plan approvals, and construction timelines are expected to be disclosed in the coming months, with groundwork possibly starting late 2026.
The French Presidency and Saudi Arabian officials have signed an agreement to invest six billion euros in three new amusement parks on the former Mirapolis theme park grounds. This marks one of the largest leisure‑sector investments in Europe and seeks to revive a site that previously hosted a short‑lived amusement venture. The project could generate significant construction activity, boost regional tourism, and deepen Franco‑Saudi economic ties.
Timeline
- — Mirapolis : l’Elysée et l’Arabie saoudite officialisent un investissement à six milliards (Politico Europe)
- — «Les forains ont voulu notre peau et ils l’ont eue» : Mirapolis, le fiasco du premier grand parc d’attractions français (Le Figaro — Économie)
Analysis — what this means
Sectors affected
- Tourism
- Leisure and amusement parks
- Construction
Historical parallels
- Original Mirapolis amusement park opened in 1987 and operated for approximately five years before closing in the early 1990s.
Sources
- Mirapolis : l’Elysée et l’Arabie saoudite officialisent un investissement à six milliards — Politico Europe
- «Les forains ont voulu notre peau et ils l’ont eue» : Mirapolis, le fiasco du premier grand parc d’attractions français — Le Figaro — Économie