Following the exciting announcement in October 2022 that A Harry Potter theme park would be added to Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi, the big question has been WHEN exactly will it open?
The good news: we finally have something close to a real answer!
It’s taken nearly 4 years, but as of September 2026, rather than guessing and giving you our drive-past updates, we finally have an official sneak peek of what to expect and when you might actually be able to add this theme park to your Abu Dhabi itinerary!
Is there an official opening date yet for Harry Potter Abu Dhabi?
While there is no final official opening date, the wording on the WB World Abu Dhabi website has been updated to reflect a 2029 opening for Harry Potter in Abu Dhabi.
What will the Abu Dhabi Harry Potter park be called?
While the theme park extension doesn’t have an overall name yet, we do know it will have three ‘lands’
- Diagon Alley
- Hogwarts Castle
- The Forbidden Forest
The extension will be made to the existing WB World Abu Dhabi theme park on Yas Island. Estimates are that it will increase the existing 1.65 million square foot venue by 50%.
Whilst the timing of this news might disappoint Potterheads, the great news is that there are still a ton of fun theme parks and activities to enjoy on Yas Island before the opening; we wouldn’t delay a trip to Yas Island until the new Potter land comes to life!
Theme Parks Currently on Yas Island
Yas Island, on the outskirts of the UAE capital Abu Dhabi, is currently home to four world-class and award-winning theme parks, all operated by Miral:
- Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi – themed around Looney Tunes classic characters, The Flintstones, and superheroes and villains from DC Comics – learn more here
- Ferrari World Abu Dhabi – mostly famous for having the fastest roller coaster in the world and many thrilling rides with a distinctly Italian sports car theme – learn more here
- Yas Waterworld – an award-winning outdoor water park with a local Emirati theme and over 40 rides and attractions. A further 18 rides were added in July 2025 as part of current expansion works – learn more here
- SeaWorld – the most recent opening in 2023, is focused on marine life and houses the largest indoor aquarium in the world, attached to the Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Center – learn more here
Still to come on Yas Island
- Miral has announced a partnership with The Walt Disney Company to bring a new Disney Park to Yas Island—again, no opening date given, but an incredible, exciting addition to an already stellar lineup. Early estimates seem to be leaning toward an opening in 7-8 years – the project is presently only at the ‘Imagineering’ stage. We’d estimate 2031-32
- The Sphere is also on the cards, with development due to start on this Yas Island mega project this year. This will bring another internationally recognised entertainment venue to the capital, with an estimated launch in 2030.
Can You Get Theme Park Packages in Abu Dhabi?
Many visitors to Abu Dhabi come purely for the theme parks, and you can get great hotel packages that include your daily theme park tickets.
- There are now 10 hotels on Yas Island that you can look to stay in at different budget levels – two are fairly adjacent to WB World – The WB Hotel – Curio Collection by Hilton, and Doubletree By Hilton Abu Dhabi.
- High-end options include the W Abu Dhabi, straddling the Yas Marina Circuit Grand Prix racing track, and the Hilton Abu Dhabi on Yas Bay.
- Value options are available at Yas Hotel Plaza, a group of 6 hotels covering popular chains, including Rotana and Crowne Plaza.
Frequently, hotels in other parts of Abu Dhabi will also offer Yas Island theme park tickets. Look for hotels and resorts on Saadiyat Island that may have special offers for this (you’re only about 15 minutes away by taxi) or even some city centre hotels.
What will be at Harry Potter World Abu Dhabi?
The exact format and ride names will be a closely held secret until launch, but we are assured there will be many exclusive rides and attractions not seen anywhere else in the world.
One thing is for sure: You can be almost certain you’ll be buying your butterbeer and walking down Diagon Alley in wonderfully air-conditioned indoor bliss.
What do you think, Potterheads? What will be on your wish list for this new instalment of Harry Potter in the UAE?
Before you go… Important things to consider when planning a trip to Abu Dhabi
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