JAKARTA – Universal Studios is reportedly exploring plans to develop a new theme park in Saudi Arabia, potentially establishing direct competition with Disney in the Middle Eastern entertainment market.

The Comcast subsidiary is currently conducting preliminary concept work for the park, which may be financed by a Saudi government-backed entity as part of a licensing agreement with Universal, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Following Disney’s Regional Strategy

Disney established a similar arrangement earlier this year to construct a theme park in Abu Dhabi. However, Universal has not yet finalized agreements for the Saudi Arabian theme park—a potential multi-billion dollar venture likely to reach completion sometime in the 2030s.

Tourism as Economic Diversification Tool

As wealthy Middle Eastern nations work to diversify their economies beyond petroleum, several countries are investing heavily in tourism centered around world-renowned attractions. Disney’s theme park is being constructed on an island that also features Formula One destinations, along with Ferrari, Warner Bros., and SeaWorld attractions.

Executive Visit Signals Serious Interest

Comcast CEO Brian Roberts traveled to Saudi Arabia last month for an investment conference and toured Qiddiya, the major entertainment and sports project where the Universal park would potentially be located, according to individuals knowledgeable about the discussions.

The Six Flags theme park is scheduled to open this month at Qiddiya, while a Dragon Ball Z park and water park are currently under construction in the city, located approximately 40 minutes southwest of Riyadh.

Aggressive Theme Park Expansion

Comcast is aggressively expanding its theme park business, which generates higher profit margins than other segments of its NBCUniversal media division. The company’s Epic Universe park, which opened in May in Orlando, Florida, significantly enhanced its ability to compete with Disney for visitor attraction in that market.

Universal operates theme parks in Orlando, Los Angeles, Singapore, Beijing, and Osaka, Japan. A smaller children’s destination is in the planning stages in Texas, along with a full-sized park in the United Kingdom.

Intellectual Property Portfolio

Beyond its proprietary franchises like Jurassic Park, How to Train Your Dragon, and classic monsters, existing Universal theme parks feature licensed properties including Harry Potter and Nintendo. It remains uncertain whether Universal will bring its flagship licenses to the Saudi Arabian theme park.

Regional Challenges and Opportunities

Building theme parks in the Middle East presents several complications, including extreme temperatures that require parks to operate until late evening or remain entirely indoors. Following Disney’s Abu Dhabi announcement, the company faced criticism for partnering with nations that don’t align with Western standards on issues including LGBTQ+ rights.

Nevertheless, reaching audiences in regions where American entertainment companies traditionally generate minimal revenue represents an attractive proposition, particularly when agreements don’t require significant upfront capital investment.

Disney stated its Abu Dhabi theme park will boost revenue from opening day, unlike self-built parks that typically require time before becoming profitable.

Previous Failed Attempt

Universal previously attempted Middle Eastern expansion in 2008 when it began construction on Universal Studios Dubailand with partners. However, only a grand entrance gateway was completed before funding ceased during the global financial crisis. The project was ultimately cancelled.

Original Article:

CNBC Indonesia. (2025, December 21). Universal Studios Mau Bangun Taman Hiburan di Arab Saudi. Retrieved from https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20251221122527-4-696046/universal-studios-mau-bangun-taman-hiburan-di-arab-saudi