Saudi Arabia Drives Bold Vision 2030 With Universal Studios Theme Park in Qiddiya Promising a New Era For Entertainment Leisure and Economic Growth

Published on December 22, 2025

Saudi Arabia is taking a significant step towards realizing its Vision 2030 with plans to build a Universal Studios theme park in Qiddiya, a sprawling entertainment hub located southwest of Riyadh. This ambitious project is set to transform the Kingdom’s entertainment landscape, offering world-class leisure experiences and attracting millions of tourists annually. By integrating major global brands like Universal Studios into its tourism strategy, Saudi Arabia is diversifying its economy, reducing dependence on oil, and positioning itself as a premier global destination for entertainment. This development promises to generate substantial economic growth, create thousands of jobs, and contribute to the Kingdom’s broader goals of increasing tourism and cultural infrastructure.

Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector is on the verge of a significant transformation, with plans to develop a multibillion-dollar Universal Studios theme park in the heart of Qiddiya, a sprawling entertainment, sports, and tourism hub situated southwest of Riyadh. While the project remains in its early conceptual stages, it is poised to become a landmark attraction as the Kingdom continues to push for economic diversification and an expanded tourism sector under its Vision 2030 initiative.

Early Planning Stages for a Major Entertainment Destination

At present, the Universal Studios park is still in its planning phase, with no formal approvals granted for construction. However, the development marks a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s broader entertainment ambitions. Qiddiya, a 334-square-kilometer project, is being positioned as the Kingdom’s mega entertainment and leisure destination. This new addition to Qiddiya would complement existing attractions and lay the foundation for a new wave of tourism and family-oriented entertainment within the Kingdom.

The site selection of Qiddiya is strategic, as it is part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plan to diversify its economy away from its dependency on oil revenues. The Qiddiya project aims to create a multifaceted entertainment landscape, complete with sports, cultural experiences, and large-scale theme parks, making it a global destination for tourists of all ages.

A Thriving Hub for Global Brands

The potential Universal Studios park in Saudi Arabia comes amidst a broader push by the Gulf region to develop world-class entertainment offerings. This is not the only large-scale theme park planned for the region; earlier this year, a major partnership between the Walt Disney Company and an Abu Dhabi developer was announced to build a theme park in the UAE capital.

With its ambitious plans, Saudi Arabia aims to establish itself as a leader in global tourism. The Kingdom is already moving forward with multiple entertainment ventures, including the opening of Six Flags Qiddiya City in Riyadh, set for December 31, 2025. This marks the first-ever theme park in Saudi Arabia and is expected to draw visitors from across the world.

These developments are part of Vision 2030, a strategic initiative designed to revitalize Saudi Arabia’s economy by attracting international investments in non-oil industries, including tourism, culture, and entertainment. If successful, the Universal Studios park would be an essential element of this strategy, helping the Kingdom achieve its tourism goals while significantly boosting its economy.

Qiddiya: A Mega Entertainment Hub with Big Ambitions

Qiddiya’s scale is hard to ignore. The development spans over 334 square kilometers, making it more than twice the size of Disney World in Florida. Once complete, it is expected to attract 48 million visitors annually, contributing an impressive SAR17 billion ($4.5 billion) to the Kingdom’s GDP. These ambitious goals are in line with Saudi Arabia’s wider target of increasing tourism numbers to 150 million visitors by 2030.

The first half of 2025 already shows promise, with Saudi Arabia welcoming over 60.9 million visitors. In 2024, the Kingdom recorded more than 100 million visitors, with 30 million of them being international tourists. The introduction of a Universal Studios park in Qiddiya would further enhance Saudi Arabia’s appeal as a travel destination for families, offering high-quality entertainment options that rival other global theme parks.

This development will not only draw international visitors but also encourage domestic tourism, positioning Qiddiya as a must-see destination for residents of Saudi Arabia. With cultural, sporting, and entertainment offerings, the region is poised to become a central hub for both leisure and business tourism.

The Rise of Saudi Arabia’s Entertainment Scene

The potential Universal Studios theme park is one part of Saudi Arabia’s extensive push to enhance its entertainment sector. Beyond theme parks, the Kingdom is investing in the development of cinemas, concerts, and sporting events, creating a comprehensive entertainment ecosystem. Qiddiya itself is already home to plans for water parks, Formula 1 tracks, and golf courses, among other attractions.

With entertainment investments like these, Saudi Arabia is rapidly becoming a prime location for both international companies and local talent to collaborate on large-scale projects. These developments are a significant step forward in the Kingdom’s mission to elevate its global standing as a tourism and leisure destination.

The Kingdom’s focus on cultural and entertainment infrastructure is also seen as a way to foster a thriving creative economy. This, in turn, will support job creation, skill development, and broader economic growth, both within the tourism sector and beyond.

Qiddiya as a Key Driver of Economic Diversification

Qiddiya stands as the cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal to diversify its economy. With entertainment at its core, Qiddiya will help reduce the Kingdom’s reliance on oil exports by fostering a sustainable, diversified economy. The park, along with other attractions in the region, is expected to create thousands of jobs, stimulating local businesses and boosting economic activity.

The focus on entertainment and tourism aligns with the Kingdom’s wider plans to attract foreign investment, create a vibrant local economy, and provide citizens and residents with high-quality leisure options. The success of Qiddiya will signal to the world that Saudi Arabia is serious about its economic transformation and its potential as a global leader in tourism and entertainment.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Saudi Arabia’s Tourism

As the conceptual plans for the Universal Studios park continue to take shape, the future of Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector looks promising. If realised, the park will serve as a crown jewel within the broader Qiddiya project, attracting millions of visitors and positioning the Kingdom as a top global destination for leisure and tourism. The potential park would be the ultimate testament to Saudi Arabia’s commitment to transforming its economy and tourism sector.

With Vision 2030 guiding the way, Saudi Arabia is charting a new path forward, and with developments like Universal Studios Qiddiya, it is clear that the Kingdom is on track to become a significant player in the global tourism industry.

Saudi Arabia is advancing its Vision 2030 with plans for a Universal Studios theme park in Qiddiya, aiming to revolutionize the Kingdom’s entertainment sector. This project promises significant economic growth, diversifies the economy, and boosts tourism by attracting global visitors.

Saudi Arabia is on the verge of an entertainment revolution. The potential Universal Studios theme park in Qiddiya would not only diversify the Kingdom’s economy but also reinforce its position as a leading global destination for tourism. As the Kingdom continues to invest in large-scale projects under its Vision 2030 strategy, its entertainment sector is expected to grow at an unprecedented rate, drawing millions of visitors from around the world and shaping the future of leisure in the region.