Universal Destinations & Experiences has begun early planning for a **universal studios** park in Saudi Arabia. This project would be structured as a licensing deal with government-backed funding, a model that could generate immediate revenue and provide access to the region's growing tourism market, similar to successful UAE projects like those on Yas Island in **dubai**.
The project would be structured as a licensing deal with government-backed funding—the same model Disney announced for its Abu Dhabi park, which the company said would be "accretive to earnings from the day it opens."
The timing is strategic. Six Flags Qiddiya opens December 31st in Saudi Arabia, Disney confirmed its Abu Dhabi licensing deal earlier this year, and the Middle East has emerged as the primary destination for new theme park capital investment globally. For Universal—fresh off Epic Universe's opening, with Universal Kids Resort (Texas) and a UK park in development—a Middle East licensing deal would establish presence without capital risk.
The structure mirrors successful UAE projects at Yas Island, where SeaWorld, Ferrari World, and Warner Bros. World all operate under licensing or joint venture agreements with government-backed developers.
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00:00 Intro
03:10 Universal eyes new Theme Park in Saudia Arabia
20:00 Listener Questions
