Harry Potter’s magical world is coming to Abu Dhabi

Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi is set to expand with three Harry Potter-themed lands, bringing some of the franchise’s most recognisable locations to Yas Island by 2029.

The new attractions — Diagon Alley, Hogwarts and the Forbidden Forest — will cover about 63,000 square metres and are expected to include rides created exclusively for Abu Dhabi, although specific attractions and experiences have not yet been announced, The National writes.

The expansion will give visitors the chance to explore settings central to J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books, from the wizarding shopping street of Diagon Alley to Hogwarts castle and the mysterious Forbidden Forest.

A wizarding shopping street

Diagon Alley is where Harry first discovers the wizarding world and shops for supplies before beginning his studies at Hogwarts.

Its shops include Gringotts Bank, Ollivanders and Flourish and Blotts, while Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes later becomes one of the street’s best-known destinations.

According to The National, the Abu Dhabi version could potentially feature experiences inspired by wand selection, wizarding shops and the Leaky Cauldron. Gringotts’ underground vaults could also provide inspiration for an attraction, although no specific ride has been confirmed.

Inside Hogwarts

Hogwarts is the heart of Harry’s education and friendships, where he meets Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger and becomes a Gryffindor Quidditch player.

The castle offers numerous possibilities for immersive experiences, including the Great Hall, moving staircases, talking portraits, house common rooms and magical classrooms.

The Sorting Hat could also inspire an interactive experience, while Quidditch could provide the basis for a high-speed attraction.

Into the Forbidden Forest

The Forbidden Forest offers a darker setting, populated by creatures including centaurs, giant spiders, unicorns and thestrals.

Harry encounters some of the forest’s most dangerous inhabitants throughout the books, including Aragog and his giant spider descendants. The forest also plays an important role in the final confrontation between Harry and Voldemort.

For Emirati Harry Potter fan and content creator Nasser Al Maskri, bringing the fictional world to Abu Dhabi has a special significance.

“Harry Potter is the most prominent piece of my childhood because it crafted my love of storytelling and film from a very young age,” Al Maskri says. “Seeing that world come to life [here in Abu Dhabi] is a dream come true for us Potterheads in the UAE.”

A flying car?

One of the most prominent elements in the concept material is Arthur Weasley’s blue Ford Anglia, the enchanted car used by Harry and Ron in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

The car famously flies the boys to Hogwarts before eventually ending up in the Forbidden Forest, where it later helps them escape Aragog’s spiders.

Its appearance in the Yas Island campaign has fuelled speculation that it could feature in an attraction. The National notes that a ride based on the flying Ford Anglia could potentially offer fans a high-speed journey through the wizarding world.

However, no such attraction has been confirmed.

For now, details of the rides remain under wraps, with fans expected to wait for further announcements before discovering exactly how Abu Dhabi will bring the three magical lands to life.

By Sabina Mammadli