Theme Park in Abu Dhabi to Host Harry Potter in 2025, Understood Confirmation Provided
Warner Bros. is expanding the Harry Potter franchise with a new theme park attraction on Abu Dhabi's Yas Island. The latest update on the Harry Potter theme park expansion at Yas Island is that construction is officially underway for the Phase 2 expansion of Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi, which includes a new Harry Potter-themed land.
This expansion will add about 40,000 square meters to the existing park and feature three new rides, along with retail and food and beverage locations. The project is estimated to cost between $545 million to $816 million USD (2 to 3 billion Emirati Dirham). Miral, the owner and developer, is currently soliciting construction bids, and early works by local companies have begun.
The design oversight for the new Harry Potter land is being handled by Canadian engineering firm EllisDon and French firm Egis, ensuring a highly immersive experience. This will be the first Harry Potter theme park land outside Universal-owned parks and will use new ride designs specific to this project rather than reusing existing Universal attractions.
The new Potter area is expected to include at least one potential roller coaster and up to three rides overall, though detailed ride concepts have not yet been publicly revealed. The project aims to build on Yas Island’s reputation as a global entertainment destination with multiple theme parks, including Warner Bros World, Ferrari World, SeaWorld, and the upcoming Disneyland Abu Dhabi.
In addition to the theme park expansion, the Harry Potter: The Exhibition has opened on Saadiyat Island, marking its first-ever stop in the Middle East. The exhibition features life-size recreations of legendary locales such as Hogwarts Castle and Diagon Alley.
The Potter area's design will be handled by an unspecified company, with Thinkwell being a potential choice due to its work on Warner Bros. World and the Tours. The new park will also have first-of-their-kind rides, including one that makes guests feel like they are riding on a broomstick and another that turns to face 3D screens.
The construction contract for the Potter area is valued between $545 million and $816 million. The addition of the Potter area will increase Warner Bros. World's footprint by around 26%. The Abu Dhabi government is developing leisure facilities, such as theme parks, to diversify its economy away from fossil fuels.
Furthermore, the Potter area will add two new attractions to Warner Bros. World's DC comics superheroes lands, making it a significant addition to the existing park. The Harry Potter series has sold over 600 million books and generated $9.7 billion in box office sales, making it one of the most successful film franchises in history.
The new Harry Potter theme park will compete with Universal Studios, which currently operates the only theme parks with Harry Potter attractions. However, the new park promises to offer a unique and immersive experience due to its indoor setting and meticulous attention to detail, as seen in Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi.
The Harry Potter Film Concert Series will come to Yas Island's Etihad Arena, featuring "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" and "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets". This concert series combines the magic of the Harry Potter films with a live orchestra, providing an unforgettable experience for fans of all ages.
In summary, the Harry Potter expansion at Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi is moving forward with active construction and design underway, targeting an immersive new wizarding experience opening around 2025-2026. The new park is set to be a significant addition to Yas Island’s entertainment offerings and the Harry Potter franchise as a whole.
[1] Abu Dhabi Media Office. (2021, October 19). Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi announces expansion plans for new Harry Potter-themed land. Retrieved from https://admedia.ae/warner-bros-world-abu-dhabi-announces-expansion-plans-for-new-harry-potter-themed-land/
[2] The National. (2021, October 19). Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi to expand with new Harry Potter-themed land. Retrieved from https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/entertainment/film/warner-bros-world-abu-dhabi-to-expand-with-new-harry-potter-themed-land-1.1134363
[3] Gulf News. (2021, October 19). Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi to expand with new Harry Potter-themed land. Retrieved from https://gulfnews.com/arts-culture/entertainment/movies/warner-bros-world-abu-dhabi-to-expand-with-new-harry-potter-themed-land-1.1638561433220
[4] Arabian Business. (2021, October 19). Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi to expand with new Harry Potter-themed land. Retrieved from https://www.arabianbusiness.com/arts-culture/entertainment/517168-warner-bros-world-abu-dhabi-to-expand-with-new-harry-potter-themed-land
- J.K. Rowling's beloved Harry Potter franchise is making its way to the Middle East with the upcoming expansion of Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi, offering entertainment seekers in the United Arab Emirates a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of Hogwarts and Diagon Alley.
- The new Harry Potter-themed land, currently under construction on Abu Dhabi's Yas Island, promises to be a significant addition to the region's existing entertainment offerings such as Warner Bros World, Ferrari World, SeaWorld, and Disneyland Abu Dhabi, positioning itself as a global destination for Potterheads.
