As part of the Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi expansion we reported a few years ago regarding a brand new Harry Potter land coming to the UAE, further details have been released regarding this exciting new expansion as the Abu Dhabi indoor theme park will once again regain its crown as the biggest indoor theme park in the world.
More details have been revealed this week which states that the Yas Island theme park will be the world’s first to house both Hogwarts Castle and Diagon Alley within the same park.
Diagon Alley currently features inside Universal Studios Orlando whilst the Hogwarts Castle resides in Islands of Adventure along with Universal Studios Japan and Universal Beijing’s Harry Potter Lands. On this occasion they will be located within the same park and indoors.
Budget will not be an issue with the Abu Dhabi park so expect theming on the scale of Universal (or beyond) for this particular development as main construction works are estimated to cost around 2-3 billion AED which is in the ball park of $545 million – $816 million.
The land will feature iconic locations from the franchise as well as three new rides, retail outlets and food and beverage facilities.
One particular rumoured ride is set to be a Harry Potter themed roller coaster which will be manufactured by Liechtenstein based company Intamin.
Pam Lifford, president of global brands and experiences at Warner Bros. Discovery, said:
Together with our lands at Universal parks, this will add a wholly new and spectacular destination for fans to immerse themselves in.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of Miral, said:
This is yet another testament to our commitment to continue to position Yas Island as a top global destination for entertainment and leisure, and a great addition to Abu Dhabi’s tourism offerings, contributing to the growth and economic diversification of the emirate.
No opening date has been announced for the new land but the park is also rumoured to be adding a Superman roller coaster inside their Metropolis area of the park replacing a former theatre but no further information regarding that has been unveiled, just whispers at this current stage.
I’m really excited for this new land. The theming capabilities of this indoor park truly are world class and I cannot wait to see what they conjure up with this one as the world of Harry Potter will truly come alive in the UAE.
