The Hollywood giant moves to expand its global footprint, setting the stage for a Middle East showdown with Disney
Universal Studios is reportedly on the verge of announcing its first-ever theme park in Saudi Arabia, signaling a bold expansion into the Middle Eastern entertainment market. According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, the company is currently in the “early planning stages” for a new park to be developed in Qiddiya, the kingdom’s burgeoning hub for entertainment, sports, and culture.
The move positions Universal alongside Disney in a high-stakes regional rivalry, as both companies aim to capture the rapidly growing appetite for world-class theme park experiences in the Middle East. Qiddiya, envisioned as Saudi Arabia’s premier leisure and entertainment destination, offers an ideal setting for Universal to introduce its iconic attractions, immersive rides, and family-friendly experiences to a new audience.
Industry experts say the park could drive tourism, create local jobs, and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s positioning as a global entertainment destination. The announcement underscores Universal’s ongoing strategy of international expansion and reflects the kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 goals to diversify its economy beyond oil by investing in cultural and entertainment projects.
As plans take shape, anticipation is building among fans in the region eager to experience Universal’s signature attractions firsthand, while the company prepares to carve out its space in a competitive and increasingly dynamic Middle Eastern theme park market.
