Universal Studios Plans Multibillion-Dollar Theme Park in Saudi Arabia

Universal Studios is on the verge of a monumental development as it explores the possibility of building a multibillion-dollar theme park in Saudi Arabia. This initiative represents a significant move in the Kingdom’s burgeoning entertainment sector, particularly focusing on the Qiddiya area, which is being developed as a major hub for leisure and tourism.

Early Planning Phase

According to The Wall Street Journal, the parent company of Universal Studios, Comcast, is currently evaluating the potential for establishing a theme park in Saudi Arabia. At this time, the plans remain in the conceptual stage, and construction approvals have not yet been secured. The proposed location is likely to be Qiddiya, a vast entertainment, sports, and tourism destination situated southwest of Riyadh.

Comcast CEO Brian Roberts recently visited Saudi Arabia to participate in an investment conference and conducted a tour of the Qiddiya site, which is viewed as the potential venue for the park. While Roberts confirmed that the project is still in its early planning stages, he emphasized that it remains unfinalized. Details pertaining to which Universal franchises, rides, or attractions might be featured are still unclear.

Part of a Broader Entertainment Expansion

The proposed Universal Studios park is part of a wider initiative to develop large-scale theme parks across the Gulf region. Earlier this year, the Walt Disney Company announced a partnership with Abu Dhabi developer Miral to expand its presence in the UAE capital by constructing a new theme park.

In addition, Saudi Arabia is advancing multiple entertainment projects, including Six Flags Qiddiya City, which is slated to open on December 31, 2025. These developments align with Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s national strategy to diversify its economy away from oil and enhance its leisure, tourism, and cultural infrastructure.

Qiddiya: Saudi Arabia’s Mega Entertainment Hub

Spanning 334 square kilometers, Qiddiya is about two and a half times the size of Disney World in Florida. The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) aims for the project to attract up to 48 million visitors annually, contributing SAR 17 billion (approximately $4.5 billion) to the country’s GDP.

Tourism in Saudi Arabia has seen rapid growth, with over 100 million visitors recorded in 2024, including around 30 million international tourists. Preliminary figures for 2025 indicate continued momentum, with approximately 60.9 million visitors in just the first half of the year.

The potential Universal Studios park not only reflects the increasing interest from global entertainment brands in Saudi Arabia but also aims to bolster the Kingdom’s leisure offerings. This project is instrumental in achieving the goal of attracting 150 million visitors by 2030.

While still in its conceptual phase, the Universal Studios project could become a signature attraction in Qiddiya, complementing other major developments in the region. If realized, it highlights Saudi Arabia’s strategy to utilize cultural and entertainment investments to drive economic growth and establish itself as a global destination for tourism and leisure.