Universal Studios Exploring Theme Park Plans in Saudi Arabia

Universal Studios, owned by Comcast, is considering building a new theme park in Saudi Arabia. However, the project is currently just an idea being explored, with no construction started and no final decisions made yet.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Universal Destinations & Experiences, which runs Universal’s theme parks worldwide, is starting to develop early ideas for a new park in Saudi Arabia.

If the project moves forward, funding could come from an organization supported by the Saudi government. This would happen through a licensing agreement with Universal, instead of Universal directly investing in the project.

Brian Roberts, the CEO of Comcast, recently traveled to the country to look into possible opportunities.

Possible Location: Qiddiya

Okay, so I’m hearing some really exciting news for movie lovers! Apparently, Universal Studios is planning a park as part of this huge new city called Qiddiya, which is being built just outside of Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. It sounds like they’re aiming to make Qiddiya a massive destination for all kinds of entertainment – movies, sports, culture, the works – as part of Saudi Arabia’s big Vision 2030 plan. It’s looking like it could be a seriously cool place!

Qiddiya is quickly becoming a major entertainment destination with several projects already underway. Six Flags Qiddiya City is expected to open at the end of 2025, and the Aquarabia water park is almost finished – it’s set to be one of the biggest in the region. These attractions are helping to create a complete entertainment experience for visitors.

Part of Regional Entertainment Growth

Rumors are circulating about a possible new Universal theme park, reflecting a surge of interest in the Gulf region from big entertainment companies. The United Arab Emirates has already become a popular destination for brands like Disney, Warner Bros., and SeaWorld. While building theme parks in this climate presents challenges – particularly the intense heat – developers are adapting by creating mostly or entirely indoor attractions.

Saudi Arabia is working to bring a Universal Studios park to the country as part of a larger effort to modernize its economy and society. This interest from major entertainment companies aligns with the Saudi government’s Vision 2030 plan, which aims to lessen the country’s reliance on oil by growing the tourism industry. The Vision 2030 plan was first introduced in 2016.

A key part of this plan is growing the entertainment and leisure industry. For a long time, the country didn’t offer many options for fun activities or cultural experiences. However, over the last ten years, the government has created new rules, offered financial support, and launched investment programs to encourage both foreign companies and public-private partnerships to develop more entertainment options.

The kingdom is encouraging the development of international theme parks to offer more leisure activities for residents, create employment opportunities, and draw in tourists from other countries.

Timeline and Uncertainties

Even if plans are finalized quickly, a Universal-branded park probably won’t open until the 2030s, considering it’s still in the very early stages of development. Details about official approvals, design plans, and how long construction will take haven’t been released yet.

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2025-12-24 17:56