Universal Studios has quietly entered discussions around Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding entertainment sector. Early-stage talks are underway about a potential theme park in the Kingdom. The project remains exploratory, with no approvals or construction plans in place.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Comcast, the parent company of Universal Studios, is assessing the concept at a preliminary stage. Sources familiar with the matter said discussions currently focus on feasibility studies, early sketches, and internal evaluations. They emphasized that these are not yet firm commitments.
One location under consideration is Qiddiya, a large-scale entertainment and tourism development southwest of Riyadh. Qiddiya is positioned as a future leisure hub within Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 programme. Consequently, it becomes a natural site for global entertainment brands seeking market entry.
Universal Studios is in the early planning stages of developing a new theme park in Saudi Arabia, according to a report by The Wall Street Journalhttps://t.co/TPUalbS9dd
— Saudi Gazette (@Saudi_Gazette) December 21, 2025If the Universal Studios project progresses beyond the concept phase, completion would likely be years away. Industry observers say any realistic timeline would extend into the 2030s, given the scale and complexity of such developments.
Speculation about the project intensified after Comcast CEO Brian Roberts visited Saudi Arabia for an investment conference. He also toured Qiddiya. However, company officials have emphasised that the idea remains at an early conceptual stage. Therefore, no decisions have been made on how to proceed.
Exclusive: Universal is in the early planning stages for a new theme park in Saudi Arabia, setting up a potential rivalry with Disney in the booming Middle East market https://t.co/V06z4xB0G3
— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) December 20, 2025At this point, there are no confirmed details about potential attractions, franchises, or ride concepts. Executives familiar with the process say those decisions typically come much later. This happens once a project reaches formal planning and approval stages.
Read: Turok: Origins Unveiled at Gamescom 2025, Reviving Classic Shooter
Saudi Arabia’s growing appeal to international entertainment companies reflects its broader economic strategy. Under Vision 2030, the Kingdom aims to reduce its reliance on oil by expanding tourism, culture, and leisure industries. Several major projects are already underway. For example, Six Flags Qiddiya City is scheduled to open by the end of 2025.
Tourism figures underscore the momentum. Saudi Arabia welcomed more than 100 million visitors in 2024. International arrivals accounted for a significant share of that total. Early indicators from 2025 suggest the growth trend continues. This makes the Kingdom an increasingly attractive destination for global entertainment brands considering long-term expansion.
