The theme park wars are heading to the Middle East in a major way. A recent report from the Wall Street Journal confirms that Universal Studios is in the early planning stages for a brand-new park in Saudi Arabia. This move marks a significant expansion for Comcast’s entertainment division. It also creates a direct rivalry with Disney, which announced its own Abu Dhabi park project earlier this year.
The Vision for Qiddiya
Universal plans to build the park within Qiddiya, a massive “entertainment megacity” located southwest of Riyadh. This project is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative to boost global tourism. While the park is currently in the conceptual phase, the scale of the project is immense. Comcast CEO Brian Roberts recently visited the Qiddiya site to tour the area and meet with local officials.
A New Model for Expansion
Unlike its parks in Orlando or Hollywood, Universal will likely use a licensing model for this project. A Saudi government-backed entity would provide the capital and handle operations. Universal would then provide its world-class intellectual property and creative expertise. This strategy mirrors the partnership Disney is using for its upcoming park on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
A Competitive Entertainment Hu
The Qiddiya region is quickly becoming a global destination for thrill-seekers. Six Flags Qiddiya City is scheduled to open on December 31, 2025. It will feature Falcon’s Flight, the world’s tallest and fastest roller coaster. By adding a Universal Studios park to the mix, Saudi Arabia aims to compete directly with established tourism hubs like Orlando and Tokyo.
Potential Lands and Attractions
While Universal has not confirmed specific rides, rumors are already swirling. Fans expect to see heavy hitters like Super Nintendo World, Jurassic World, and the Minions. There is also speculation regarding Harry Potter or DC Comics characters. If Universal moves forward with rumored acquisitions of other studios, this park could feature an unprecedented lineup of franchises.
Looking Toward the 2030s
The project is still in the early stages of design. Industry experts estimate the park will not open until the early 2030s. Despite the long timeline, the news shows that Universal is committed to aggressive global growth. This expansion ensures that theme park fans will have incredible new experiences to look forward to in the coming decade.
To keep up to date on all the latest theme park news and more, be sure to follow Disney Dorks on Facebook