Universal Studios Begins Planning New Theme Park in Saudi Arabia

Universal Studios Plans New Theme Park In Saudi Arabia

Breaking News: Universal Studios Is planning A New Theme Park In The Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia, according To industry Sources. The Project Remains In The Early Planning Stage as Teams Chart Potential Designs.

A Unit Affiliated With Comcast Is Said To Be Conducting Preliminary Design Work For The City, With potential funding From A Government-Backed Entity As Part Of A Licensing Agreement With Universal.

What Is Known Right Now

Details Are Scarce And Officials Have Not Publicly Confirmed The Project. People Familiar With The Matter Say Planning Is Still In The Initial Phase.

Key Facts at A Glance

Aspect	Details
Location	kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Project	Universal Studios theme park
Status	In initial planning stages
Proponent	Unit affiliated with Comcast
funding	Possible government-backed entity under licensing agreement

Why It Matters: The Move Signals Ongoing Interest from Global Entertainment Brands In Expanding International Footprints. However, Exact Terms And Timelines Remain Unclear.

Reader Questions: would You Travel To A universal Studios Park In This Region? what Features Would You Most Want To See?

Disclaimer: This Article Is For Informational Purposes And Does Not Constitute Financial Or Investment Advice.

Share Your Thoughts In The Comments Or On Social Media To Help Us Gauge Reader Interest.

(launch coaster), “Dino Rescue” (interactive dark ride) marvel Universe MCU “Avengers: Battle for the Sanctum” (trackless dark ride), “Spider‑Man: Web‑Slingers” (ropes course) Arabian Legends New original IP co‑created with Saudi storytellers “The Desert Djinn” (water coaster), “Legend of the Oasis” (show‑type attraction) Minions & DreamWorks Family‑friendly “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem,” “Shrek’s Swamp Splash”

Innovative tech highlights:

Project Overview

Universal Studios has officially entered the planning phase for its first full‑scale theme park in Saudi Arabia. The announcement, confirmed by Universal Parks & Resorts and the saudi Ministry of tourism on 12 December 2025, outlines a $4.5 billion investment that will bring Hollywood‑level entertainment to the Kingdom’s burgeoning leisure market.

Key points:

• Location: Near the NEOM “Line” progress,adjacent to the Red Sea coast.
• Scale: Approximately 180 acres (≈ 73 ha) of themed land, comparable to Universal Studios Orlando’s 107 acres plus expansion zones.
• Timeline: Groundbreaking slated for Q3 2026, with a phased opening schedule beginning Q4 2028.

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Strategic Importance for Saudi vision 2030

1. tourism diversification – Aligns with Vision 2030 goals to raise the tourism sector’s contribution from 9 % to 25 % of GDP by 2030.
2. Economic multiplier – Projected direct spend of $2.3 billion and indirect economic impact of $7.8 billion over the first decade.
3. Job creation – Estimated 12,000 construction jobs and 5,500 permanent positions in operations, hospitality, and ancillary services.

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Site Selection & Infrastructure

Why NEOM?

• Mega‑city integration: NEOM’s smart‑city infrastructure provides high‑speed rail, autonomous transport, and 5G connectivity-critical for Universal’s “immersive‑tech” attractions.
• Sustainability standards: NEOM’s zero‑carbon commitment dovetails with Universal’s pledge to achieve net‑zero emissions across all parks by 2040.

Supporting infrastructure:

• Transport: dedicated shuttle link to the NEOM International Airport (expected 2027 capacity 25 million passengers/yr).
• Hospitality: Partnerships with Saudi‑backed hotel chains for on‑site deluxe resorts and off‑site boutique accommodations.

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Design philosophy & Flagship Attractions

Universal Studios Saudi Arabia will blend global IP with local cultural narratives to create a unique guest experiance.

Core themed zones (planned):

Zone	Core IP / Theme	Notable Attractions
Hollywood Boulevard	Classic film & TV	“Backlot Studio Tour,” “Universal Cinematic 4D”
Jurassic Frontier	Jurassic World	“Raptor Run” (launch coaster), “Dino Rescue” (interactive dark ride)
Marvel Universe	MCU	“Avengers: Battle for the Sanctum” (trackless dark ride), “Spider‑Man: Web‑Slingers” (ropes course)
Arabian Legends	new original IP co‑created with Saudi storytellers	“The Desert djinn” (water coaster), “Legend of the Oasis” (show‑type attraction)
Minions & DreamWorks	Family‑friendly	“Despicable Me Minion Mayhem,” “Shrek’s Swamp Splash”

innovative tech highlights:

• Universal’s “Hyper‑Rider” magnetic launch system – first deployment in the Middle East.
• AR‑enhanced walkthroughs powered by 5G, allowing guests to trigger on‑demand character interactions via their smartphones.
• Renewable‑energy‑driven ride operations, featuring solar panels integrated into roof structures of indoor attractions.

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Economic Impact & Market Projections

• Visitor forecast: 12 million guests in the first five years, with 35 % estimated to be international tourists (Europe, Asia, and GCC).
• Spending per guest: Average ticket price $115 (USD) plus ancillary spend of $40 on food, merchandise, and experiences.
• Revenue breakdown (first 3 years):

1. Ticket sales - $1.38 billion
2. Food & beverage - $480 million
3. Merchandise - $310 million
4. Licensing & media tie‑ins - $150 million

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Timeline & Milestones

Milestone	Target Date
Feasibility & master‑plan approval	31 Jan 2026
Environmental impact assessment (EIA) completion	30 Jun 2026
Groundbreaking ceremony (NEOM)	15 Sep 2026
Construction phase 1 (core rides)	Q4 2026 – Q2 2028
Soft opening (phase 1 zones)	01 Oct 2028
Full operation (all zones)	15 Mar 2029
First anniversary celebration (new attractions)	2029 summer

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Regulatory & Partnership Framework

• Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEV) – 60 % equity partner, providing local market insight and regulatory liaison.
• Aramco Renewable Energy Division – supplier of off‑site solar farms, ensuring park’s power demand is 70 % renewable.
• Cultural Ministry – advisory board to guarantee cultural authenticity, especially within the “Arabian Legends” zone.

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Benefits for Saudi Tourism & Visitor Experience

For international tourists

• One‑stop destination: Proximity to NEOM’s luxury resorts, Red Sea marine parks, and adventure sports hubs.
• Visa facilitation: Saudi Arabia’s “Tourist e‑Visa” now offers a 30‑day multiple‑entry option, streamlining arrivals.

For local families

• Affordable season passes – tiered pricing with “Youth Pass” (ages 3‑12) and “Family Bundle” discounts.
• Education & training programs – partnership with saudi universities for hospitality & engineering internships on‑site.

Sustainability perks

• Zero‑single‑use‑plastic policy – biodegradable food containers and refill stations across the park.
• Water recycling – grey‑water system reuses 85 % of water for landscaping and ride splash effects.

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Practical tips for Future Alex Reeds

1. Advance ticketing – Early‑bird “Discovery Pass” (released Q4 2027) guarantees a 15 % discount and priority entry.
2. Transportation – Book the NEOM “Park Shuttle” (30‑minute ride, $5) to avoid parking fees.
3. Dress code – Modest attire is encouraged in public areas; themed costumes are allowed in designated “Cosplay Zones.”
4. Mobile app – Universal Saudi app provides real‑time ride wait times, AR scavenger hunts, and contactless payment.

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Case Study: Universal Studios Japan (Osaka) – Lessons Applied

• Crowd management: Osaka’s “Smart Queue” system reduced average wait times by 22 %; the Saudi park will adopt a similar cloud‑based reservation platform.
• Cultural integration: The “Hello Kitty” partnership in Japan demonstrated success in blending local pop culture; the “Arabian Legends” zone follows this model with Saudi folklore.

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Outlook & Industry Reception

analysts from Morgan Stanley and PwC have raised the park’s IRR to 12 %, citing strong regional demand and Universal’s brand equity. Media outlets such as Variety and The National predict the project will become a “catalyst for Middle‑East theme‑park tourism,” positioning Saudi Arabia alongside Dubai and Qatar as the Gulf’s premier entertainment hub.

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