PHILADELPHIA – Comcast, the parent company of Universal Studios, is exploring the possibility of building a new theme park in Saudi Arabia, according to recent reports. The project is currently in the early conceptual stages and represents a significant potential investment in the Kingdom’s rapidly expanding entertainment sector. This development underscores Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global tourism hub as part of its Vision 2030 plan.
The proposed theme park would likely be located within Qiddiya, a massive entertainment, sports, and cultural destination being developed southwest of Riyadh. While no firm timeline exists, completion is tentatively aimed for the 2030s. Comcast CEO Brian Roberts recently visited Saudi Arabia to assess the potential of Qiddiya as a location for the park.
Universal Studios Theme Park: A Key Component of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia is undergoing a dramatic economic transformation, seeking to diversify its revenue streams away from oil. A central pillar of this effort, known as Vision 2030, is a substantial investment in tourism and entertainment infrastructure. The potential arrival of a Universal Studios theme park aligns directly with these goals, signaling confidence in the Kingdom’s long-term economic prospects.
The country has already seen significant progress in attracting international entertainment brands. Six Flags Qiddiya City, slated to open on December 31, 2025, will be the Kingdom’s first theme park and a major draw for both domestic and international visitors. This demonstrates a commitment to delivering world-class leisure experiences.
Growing Tourism Numbers Fuel Investment
Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector has experienced considerable growth in recent years. The Ministry of Tourism reported over 100 million visitors in 2024, including approximately 30 million from outside the country. This surge in visitor numbers is a key driver behind the increased investment in entertainment facilities.
Preliminary data for 2025 suggests this trend is continuing, with roughly 60.9 million visitors recorded in the first half of the year alone. This positive momentum is encouraging further development of large-scale projects like Qiddiya and potentially, a Universal Studios park. The Kingdom is actively working to improve visa processes and expand air travel capacity to accommodate this growth.
What We Know About the Proposed Park
Details regarding the potential Universal Studios park remain scarce. The project is still in the initial concept phase, and no specific attractions or franchises have been announced. However, given Universal’s existing portfolio, possibilities include themed lands based on properties like Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and the Fast & Furious saga.
The scale of the park is also currently unknown. Universal’s existing parks vary significantly in size and complexity, ranging from smaller, more focused experiences to sprawling resorts with multiple theme parks and hotels. The Qiddiya location offers ample space for a large-scale development, but the final footprint will depend on market analysis and investment decisions.
Comcast’s exploration of this project follows a broader trend of international entertainment companies expanding into the Middle East. Disney, for example, has a significant presence in Dubai, and other major players are actively evaluating opportunities in the region. This increased competition highlights the attractiveness of the Saudi Arabian market.
Economic Impact and Regional Competition
A Universal Studios theme park in Saudi Arabia would likely have a substantial economic impact, creating jobs in construction, hospitality, and entertainment. It would also contribute to the diversification of the Saudi economy and reduce its reliance on oil revenue. The project is expected to attract significant foreign direct investment.
However, Saudi Arabia faces competition from other regional entertainment hubs, particularly Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Dubai has already established itself as a major tourist destination with a well-developed entertainment infrastructure. Saudi Arabia will need to offer unique and compelling experiences to differentiate itself and attract visitors.
The development of Qiddiya itself is a massive undertaking, encompassing a wide range of attractions and facilities, including a water park, a sports arena, and a high-speed rail link to Riyadh. The integration of a Universal Studios park into Qiddiya would further enhance the destination’s appeal and solidify its position as a leading entertainment hub.
The success of Six Flags Qiddiya City will be a crucial indicator of the overall viability of large-scale entertainment projects in the Kingdom. Its opening in late 2025 will provide valuable data on visitor preferences and market demand. This information will likely influence Comcast’s final decision regarding the Universal Studios park.
Currently, the project remains contingent on further feasibility studies and approvals from both Comcast and the Saudi Arabian government. The next step will likely involve more detailed planning and negotiations regarding investment terms and operational agreements. While the 2030s remain the target timeframe, the exact timing of the project is still uncertain and subject to change. Industry analysts will be closely watching for official announcements from both companies regarding the progress of this potential venture.
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