Universal Studios is exploring plans to develop a theme park in Saudi Arabia, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.
The project, being considered by Comcast, the parent company of Universal Studios, is reportedly in the initial concept phase and has not received approval for construction.
The park is expected to form part of Qiddiya, an entertainment, sports and tourism destination located southwest of Riyadh. No timeline has been announced, though completion would likely be targeted for the 2030s.
Universal Studios Saudi Arabia: Theme Park planned for Qiddiya near Riyadh
Brian Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of Comcast, visited Saudi Arabia to attend an investment conference and toured Qiddiya, which is viewed as a location for the project.
It remains unclear which Universal franchises, attractions or rides would be included, as the project has not advanced beyond development.
The interest from Universal Studios reflects a trend of global entertainment brands entering Saudi Arabia, as the Kingdom accelerates investment in leisure, tourism and infrastructure under Vision 2030, its strategy to diversify the economy away from oil.
Saudi Arabia is developing entertainment destinations, including Six Flags Qiddiya City, the Kingdom’s first theme park, which is scheduled to open in Riyadh on December 31, 2025.
Tourism in Saudi Arabia has increased in recent years, with more than 100 million visitors recorded in 2024, including around 30 million international tourists.
Figures for 2025 indicate growth is continuing, with approximately 60.9 million visitors in the first half of the year alone.
