Not at Universal: New ‘Harry Potter’ Land Announced With Three All-New Rides
Long after the boy wizard first made his theme park debut, a surprising new chapter in the Harry Potter story is taking shape — this time, far from Universal’s storied gates.
While most fans associate the Wizarding World with Universal theme parks, Warner Bros. is now doubling down on its own ambitions. In a move that reshapes the global theme park landscape, the company is bringing Harry Potter to the Middle East — and building something never seen before.
The project will unfold at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, located on Yas Island in the UAE’s capital city. Already home to attractions based on DC Comics, Looney Tunes, and Scooby-Doo, the entirely indoor park will soon welcome its biggest intellectual property yet.
A New Direction for the Wizarding World
Unlike Universal’s versions of the Harry Potter experience — which span iconic lands like Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley, and the new Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe — the Abu Dhabi project is charting a different course.
As first reported by MEED, the new land will feature three all-new rides. That distinction is significant: because Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is not owned or operated by Universal, it cannot reproduce fan-favorite rides such as Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, or Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts.
Instead, guests will encounter entirely original attractions, along with themed dining and retail. Egis, the French engineering and design firm, is spearheading the development of the nine-acre expansion. No opening date has been confirmed.
This move signals a notable evolution in how Warner Bros. approaches its prized franchise — one that still holds considerable power at the box office, on bookshelves, and in parks, despite ongoing public debate around author J.K. Rowling.
The Rise of Yas Island
Yas Island has quietly transformed into one of the most aggressive players in the global theme park market. Ferrari World, which features the record-breaking Formula Rossa coaster, helped put the region on the map. More recently, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi opened its doors in 2023 with an emphasis on conservation and education — and notably, no orcas in captivity.
The addition of a Harry Potter land is only part of a broader strategy. Earlier this year, Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed that Yas Island would also become home to a brand-new Disneyland — the first to be constructed entirely indoors.
“This is a thrilling moment for our company as we announce plans to build an exciting Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, whose culture is rich with an appreciation of the arts and creativity,” Iger said. “As our seventh theme park destination, it will rise from this land in spectacular fashion, blending contemporary architecture with cutting-edge technology to offer guests deeply immersive entertainment experiences in unique and modern ways.”
The park will be operated by local developer Miral under a licensing agreement, similar to the successful model used at Tokyo Disney Resort.
In a place where summer temperatures regularly reach 105°F, building parks indoors isn’t a novelty — it’s a necessity. That strategy, paired with high-profile intellectual properties and luxury infrastructure, has made Yas Island a serious alternative to Orlando, at least in ambition.
With Warner Bros., Disney, SeaWorld, and Ferrari already committed, the addition of three new Harry Potter rides signals another major step in that direction. Whether it will lure international travelers away from more established parks remains to be seen — but Yas Island is clearly playing the long game.
As the Wizarding World continues to expand, fans will soon have a brand-new place to practice their spells. Just don’t expect to see Hogwarts Castle this time around.
What’s your favorite Harry Potter attraction?
