Warner Bros. has confirmed that three Harry Potter-themed lands will be added to Warner Bros. World on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, with an announcement of further details due on September 7.
The official Harry Potter social media channels revealed the three areas by name: Hogwarts Castle, Diagon Alley, and the Forbidden Forest.
The expansion will make Warner Bros. World the only theme park in the world with recreations of both Hogwarts Castle and Diagon Alley, and the first Harry Potter lands to sit outside a Universal-operated park.
Universal currently holds the only existing Potter theme park territories, and its contracts with Warner Bros. require those lands to be maintained “at a first class, world class level for destination theme parks unsurpassed in quality by any other destination theme park worldwide,” according to The National.
A promotional video released ahead of the announcement features the sentient Ford Anglia from the Potter films flying above Yas Island. The car is understood to be the centrepiece of a new attraction based on scenes from Chamber of Secrets, simulating a chase involving the Hogwarts Express, the Whomping Willow, and a colony of giant spiders – action sequences that Universal has not previously adapted for a ride.
Construction permits filed with the Department of Municipalities and Transport describe the work as the “Warner Bros. World Phase 2 Expansion,” referencing Diagon Alley, a Harry Potter castle, a Harry Potter ride, and a “Fores” – widely interpreted as the Forbidden Forest. Site photography published by theme park construction tracker Themeparx earlier this year confirmed work is underway.
An opening date has not been officially announced. However, an advertisement posted by Entertainment + Culture Advisors, a consultancy working on the project, indicated the Potter area is due to open in 2029.
Warner Bros. World operates indoors, which gives it a structural advantage over outdoor competitors. Abu Dhabi’s climate makes full climate control necessary, but it also allows the park to build more elaborately detailed environments than open-air parks can sustain.
The park recently became the first attraction in the Middle East to win the Liseberg Applause Award, the themed entertainment industry’s most prestigious accolade. Its operator, Miral, has built a track record in indoor destination attractions on Yas Island.
Creative development for the expansion is led by Taylor Goodrich, Warner Bros.’ head of creative for theme parks and location-based entertainment.
