Saudi Arabia announces three new theme parks in Île-de-France, backed by Saudi funds and aimed at creating over 20,000 jobs
Executive summary: The Élysée announced that Saudi Arabia will fund the creation of three new theme parks in the Île-de-France region, a project comparable in size to Disneyland Paris and projected to create over 20,000 jobs. The investment represents a major foreign capital inflow into France's tourism sector, potentially boosting employment, construction activity, and visitor numbers in the Paris metropolitan area.
Who is involved: Saudi sovereign wealth funds, the French government (Élysée), local authorities in Île-de-France, and future operators of the theme parks.
Likely next: Detailed planning and regulatory approvals will follow, with construction likely to start in the next few years and phased openings targeted for the early 2030s.
The French presidency confirmed that Saudi investment will finance a leisure complex west of Paris comparable in scale to Disneyland Paris. The project is expected to generate more than 20,000 jobs and marks a significant foreign direct investment in France's tourism and entertainment infrastructure.
Timeline
- — L'Arabie saoudite va créer trois nouveaux parcs d'attractions en Île-de-France, annonce l'Élysée (Le Figaro — Économie)
Analysis — what this means
Sectors affected
- Tourism & leisure
- Construction
- Real estate
- Hospitality