Universal Destinations & Experiences has begun early planning for a theme park in Saudi Arabia, according to an exclusive Wall Street Journal report. The project would be structured as a licensing deal with government-backed funding—the same model Disney announced for its Abu Dhabi park.

This marks Universal's second attempt in the region. In 2008, the company broke ground on Universal Studios Dubailand, but the project stalled after constructing little more than an entrance arch when financing collapsed during the global financial crisis.


For Universal—fresh off the opening of Epic Universe, with Universal Kids Resort (Texas) and a UK park in development—a Middle East licensing deal would establish a presence without capital risk. The licensing model solves multiple problems simultaneously. It generates immediate revenue, provides access to the region's growing tourism market, and avoids the extended profitability timelines that characterize parks Universal builds itself. 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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