Saudi Arabia Drops €6 Billion on Paris Theme Parks, Inks Defense Deal as Crown Prince Visits

PARIS — Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman concluded a two-day visit to Paris on Tuesday, sealing a €6 billion investment in French theme parks and a new defense pact with the French government [226509][226560]. The visit, which began Monday, was marked by talks with French President Emmanuel Macron on energy routes, the crisis in the Middle East, and the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane for global oil supplies [226528][226516].

The French presidential office announced the theme park deal on Monday, which includes three amusement parks near Paris, one of which is expected to be manga-themed [226509]. On Tuesday, Saudi state television reported that the two countries signed a declaration of intent between the Saudi Defense Ministry and the French Ministry of Armed Forces, signaling a formal step toward closer military coordination [226560].

Macron and the crown prince also appeared together at the closing ceremony of the Esports World Cup, held for the first time outside Saudi Arabia [226528]. The event is largely funded by Riyadh, which has invested heavily in gaming as part of its Vision 2030 plan to diversify the kingdom’s economy beyond oil [225482].

The visit proceeded despite protests from three journalists’ unions, who opposed welcoming the Saudi leader over concerns about press freedom and human rights [226013]. Macron’s office framed the talks as pragmatic diplomacy focused on regional stability and economic cooperation [226013].

Officials said Monday’s agreements covered health, transport, and energy, though no further details were released [225489]. The defense deal marks a deepening partnership between the two nations, with regional security and defense innovation at the center [226560].