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The Wizarding World lands in Abu Dhabi: Inside 'Harry Potter: The Exhibition'
From Hagrid’s Hut to Hogwarts classrooms, here’s why Potterheads in the UAE are calling the exhibition, which runs through September 21, magical
- PUBLISHED: Mon 4 Aug 2025, 6:25 PM
On July 31, Harry Potter’s birthday, the magic officially arrived in Abu Dhabi. For the first time in the Middle East, Harry Potter: The Exhibition opened its doors at Manarat Al Saadiyat, offering fans of all ages a truly enchanting experience. With a limited run through September 21, the immersive experience promises a one-of-a-kind journey into the Wizarding World.
Whether you're a lifelong Potterhead or just beginning to explore J.K. Rowling's universe, this exhibition offers an unforgettable experience filled with interactivity, innovation, and nostalgia.
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Curated by Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences in collaboration with Imagine Exhibitions, Eventim Live, Proactiv Entertainment, and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Harry Potter: The Exhibition is the most comprehensive touring showcase ever created around the Wizarding World. It celebrates iconic moments from the Harry Potter films, Fantastic Beasts, and even the Broadway play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, using state-of-the-art immersive design and storytelling.
“Harry Potter is the Holy Grail of experiences,” said Tom Zaller, President and CEO of Imagine Exhibitions, in a chat with City Times. “The process took years, a huge team of people started with a bubble diagram to figure out what we wanted: personal, inclusive, interactive, surprising. The hardest part was deciding what not to include… so we just kept going. That’s why it’s so big, room after room after room.”
From floating candles in the Great Hall to a life-sized replica of Hagrid’s Hut and the iconic “cupboard under the stairs,” the exhibition brings unforgettable scenes to life using a mix of original props, costumes, scent cues, music, and interactive tech. Visitors begin their journey by selecting a Hogwarts house, wand, and Patronus, then earn points for their house through various activities using a smart wristband.
Why Abu Dhabi?
While the exhibition has toured globally, this marks its Middle East debut—and the team behind it had their eyes on the UAE for years.
“We’ve been talking to people in the region, especially Abu Dhabi, for a long time,” Zaller revealed. “It’s a cultural hub. This is where we wanted to be.”
The timing and duration, he added, were influenced by venue availability and global touring schedules.
A magical hit with UAE visitors
If fan reactions are anything to go by, the exhibition has more than delivered. Local content creator Joanna Rodrigues described it as “unique, personalised, and truly for every Potterhead,” citing Hagrid’s Hut as her favourite room. “The live frames, the house sections, the real outfits—it’s really cool,” she added.
Rafeez Ahmed, another UAE-based content creator and 'Potterhead', said, “For the first time, UAE has gotten something like this for all of us. I’ve never experienced anything like it here. Seeing real props and collecting points with the wristband, it was all so fun and exciting.”
Even those new to the franchise found it immersive. “It’s a great learning experience for both fans and newcomers,” said Nabata Khan, calling the exhibition “visually attractive and welcoming to everyone.”
Beyond the wow factor, the exhibition emphasises shared experiences. “What makes this special is the people who come to it,” said Zaller. “It’s multigenerational—grandparents, parents, and children all exploring together.”
It’s also a retail delight, with an exclusive selection of themed merchandise, from Hogwarts house apparel to collectibles not found anywhere else in the Wizarding World.
Harry Potter: The Exhibition is open six days a week (closed on Tuesdays) at Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi. Tickets start at Dh115 and are available via abudhabi.harrypotterexhibition.com.
