New Universal theme park planned for Saudi Arabia
A new theme park from Universal Destinations & Experiences is planned for the city of Qiddiya in Saudi Arabia.
The new Universal park is “in early planning stages,” according to the Wall Street Journal, which published the news on Dec. 19, 2025 (h/t Boardwalk Times on X). Universal is currently conducting “initial concept work for the park,” the WSJ said, and the project could possibly be financed “by a Saudi government-backed entity” rather than Universal itself.
No potential attractions, rides, or intellectual property (IP) have been announced for the possible Universal theme park in Saudi Arabia at this time.
A potential Universal park in Qiddiya would directly compete with Six Flags Qiddiya City, opening Dec. 31, 2025, with the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world.
Photo courtesy of Six Flags
Disney formally announced an upcoming theme park in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates earlier this year. The park will be located on Yas Island, a tourist destination also home to existing SeaWorld, Warner Bros. Movie World, and Ferrari World theme parks. In the case of the Disney park, Walt Disney Imagineering will design it, but Miral, an Abu Dhabi-based company, will build and operate it.
Artwork courtesy of Disney
Qiddiya is 952 kilometers (about 590 miles) from Yas Island.
Universal is currently in the middle of a theme park boom. The company, a division of Comcast, opened Universal Epic Universe in Orlando, Fla., earlier this year. 2026 will see the opening of Universal Kids Resort near Dallas, Texas, and later will come Universal’s first theme park in the U.K.
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