Universal Studios looks to be located near the Saudi capital.
Lights, camera, Universal Studios. The famed movie studio is reportedly exploring plans to open a new theme park in Saudi Arabia. This marks a significant expansion of the entertainment giant’s global footprint, and here’s what to expect.
Universal Studios and Comcast have not yet publicly confirmed the plans to open in Saudi Arabia. While discussions are still at an early stage, the development would represent Universal’s first theme park in the Middle East. According to reports, the Comcast-owned company is developing initial concepts for the attraction, which could form part of a broader licensing agreement with partners backed by the Saudi government.
Comcast’s Chief Executive, Brian Roberts, visited Saudi Arabia last month to attend an investment conference. During the trip, he toured Qiddiya, the entertainment, sports and culture megaproject near Riyadh. Qiddiya is being considered as a potential site for major international attractions, including a possible Universal Studios park.
Universal Studios currently operates theme parks in several global locations, including Hollywood, California; Orlando, Florida; Osaka, Japan; Beijing, China; and Singapore. In addition, a new Universal theme park planned for Bedford, United Kingdom, has been given the green light. The development is set to be one of the most advanced and largest theme parks in Europe, featuring a 500-room hotel alongside a retail, dining and entertainment complex.
Universal Studios was founded in New York in 1912, with its first theme park opening in 1915. The studio is behind major film franchises including Jurassic World, Minions and Wicked.
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