Universal Studios, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation, has initiated preliminary conceptual development for a potential theme park in Saudi Arabia, according to a Wall Street Journal report citing informed sources. The entertainment giant is reportedly engaged in early-stage planning discussions that could culminate in a landmark licensing arrangement with Saudi government-backed entities.
The development follows Comcast CEO Brian Roberts’ recent diplomatic visit to the Kingdom, where he participated in an investment conference and conducted an extensive tour of Qiddiya—Saudi Arabia’s monumental entertainment and sports destination currently under development. This strategic engagement signals growing international interest in the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 diversification initiatives.
While neither Universal Studios nor Comcast have officially confirmed the project’s details, the potential partnership represents a significant advancement in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing transformation of its entertainment landscape. The proposed theme park would form an integral component of Qiddiya’s broader ecosystem, which aims to establish the Kingdom as a global hub for entertainment, sports, and cultural experiences.
The reported discussions align with Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive economic modernization strategy, which includes substantial investments in tourism infrastructure and entertainment offerings. A Universal Studios presence would substantially enhance the Kingdom’s appeal as a regional tourism destination while creating numerous employment opportunities and stimulating ancillary economic sectors.
Industry analysts note that such a development would mark a pivotal moment in the Middle East’s entertainment industry, potentially reshaping regional tourism patterns and establishing new competitive dynamics in the global theme park market. The project’s realization would represent one of the most significant Western entertainment investments in the region to date.