Saudi Arabia Joins The Global Tourism Spotlight With Universal Studios Theme Park In Qiddiya, Paving The Way For Unmatched Leisure And Cultural Experiences

Published on December 23, 2025

Saudi Arabia is poised to revolutionize its tourism sector as Universal Studios explores the development of a major theme park in Qiddiya. This potential addition to the Kingdom’s rapidly growing entertainment landscape aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 goals to diversify its economy and attract millions of international visitors. By positioning Qiddiya as a global hub for leisure and tourism, the Universal Studios theme park would not only enhance Saudi Arabia’s appeal as a top travel destination but also create substantial economic opportunities, driving growth in both the cultural and entertainment sectors.

Universal Studios is exploring the development of a multibillion-dollar theme park in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s growing entertainment sector. While the project remains in its early conceptual stages, it is envisioned to be part of Qiddiya, an expansive new leisure and tourism hub located southwest of Riyadh.

Early Concept and Planning

Comcast, the parent company of Universal Studios, is reportedly in discussions regarding the potential establishment of a theme park in Saudi Arabia. At present, the plans are in the conceptual phase, and no construction approvals have been granted. The prospective location for the park is Qiddiya, a massive entertainment and tourism destination that is set to become a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative.

Comcast’s CEO recently visited Saudi Arabia to attend an investment conference, where he toured the Qiddiya site, which is widely regarded as the ideal location for the theme park. While the project is still in the early stages, he confirmed that no final decisions have been made, and the specifics regarding which Universal franchises, attractions, or rides would be included remain uncertain.

Part of a Broader Entertainment Expansion

The Universal Studios project comes amid a wave of large-scale theme park developments across the Gulf region. Notably, earlier this year, the Walt Disney Company announced a partnership with a prominent Abu Dhabi developer to create a new theme park in the UAE capital. This signals a broader trend of international entertainment brands expanding their footprint in the region.

Saudi Arabia is also ramping up its own entertainment initiatives. In addition to the potential Universal Studios park, the Kingdom is preparing for the launch of Six Flags Qiddiya City, the first theme park in Saudi Arabia. The park is set to open in Riyadh on December 31, 2025, marking a key milestone in the Kingdom’s entertainment evolution. These initiatives are a direct result of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a national strategy designed to diversify the economy away from oil and foster growth in tourism, leisure, and cultural sectors.

Qiddiya: A Vision for the Future

Qiddiya itself is set to become one of the largest and most ambitious entertainment destinations in the world. Spanning 334 square kilometers, Qiddiya is more than two and a half times the size of Disney World in Florida. The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which is overseeing the development, aims to attract 48 million visitors annually to the site and generate an estimated SAR17 billion (approximately $4.5 billion) in contributions to the Kingdom’s GDP.

Tourism in Saudi Arabia has already experienced remarkable growth. In 2024, the Kingdom welcomed over 100 million visitors, with approximately 30 million of those being international tourists. Early data for 2025 shows continued growth, with an estimated 60.9 million visitors in the first half of the year alone. This expansion in tourism numbers aligns with the country’s ambitious target of reaching 150 million visitors by 2030, a goal that is further supported by the development of Qiddiya and other tourism-driven projects.

The Role of Universal Studios in Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Landscape

The potential addition of a Universal Studios theme park would enhance the Kingdom’s already expanding leisure offerings, bolstering Saudi Arabia’s growing reputation as an entertainment and tourism hub. If realized, the park would serve as a major draw for both domestic and international visitors, providing a world-class experience that complements the diverse attractions in the region.

Beyond the entertainment aspect, the project also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s strategy to use cultural and tourism investments as key drivers of economic growth. The development of Qiddiya and the potential Universal Studios park would not only support the Kingdom’s tourism ambitions but also create thousands of jobs and contribute to the broader diversification of the economy.

Looking to the Future

While the Universal Studios park remains in its early conceptual stage, it represents a major opportunity for Saudi Arabia to further establish itself as a top global destination for tourism and leisure. The proposed park, alongside the broader developments at Qiddiya, is expected to play a pivotal role in attracting millions of visitors each year, helping the Kingdom meet its ambitious tourism targets for 2030.

As international entertainment brands continue to show interest in Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom is well-positioned to become a key player in the global tourism and leisure industries. By combining massive investments in infrastructure with a growing focus on cultural and entertainment offerings, Saudi Arabia is on track to transform its tourism landscape in the coming years, making it a go-to destination for travelers from around the world.

The Universal Studios project is a key component of this transformation, and if the plans move forward, it could become one of the flagship attractions of the Qiddiya mega-development. While much work remains to be done before the park becomes a reality, it is clear that Saudi Arabia’s commitment to diversifying its economy and expanding its tourism sector is unwavering, signaling a bright future for the Kingdom’s entertainment industry.