Wands at the ready, Potterheads — the magic is apparating to Abu Dhabi, and it’s not just your imagination. For the first time ever, the Harry Potter™: The Exhibition is swooping into the Middle East, and trust us — you’re going to want to ditch your Muggle plans. Launching at Manarat Al Saadiyat on Friday, 25 July, this isn’t your average stroll through Diagon Alley. It’s the biggest, most immersive, spellbindingly brilliant Harry Potter exhibition to ever tour the globe — and yes, it’s about to set Saadiyat Island ablaze with nostalgia and Nifflers.
Already enchanted over 3.7 million fans worldwide? Check. Packed with real props, original costumes, and wizard-worthy interactivity? Double check. Whether you’re Team Gryffindor or lowkey a Slytherin with a soft spot for Snape, this exhibition is like getting your Hogwarts letter… but with air conditioning and Instagrammable lighting.
Where: Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi
When: Friday, 25 July
What’s Brewing Inside the Exhibition?
This isn’t just a museum-style display. Oh no. This is an interactive, multi-sensory magical playground. Let’s peek through the Pensieve, shall we?
Page to Screen Gallery
Start your journey with the first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, cozily tucked inside a Gringotts-style vault. Literary quotes float around like enchanted scrolls—prepare to feel the goosebumps.
Hogwarts Castle Gallery
Walk past Whomping Willows, dodge Dementors, and watch your name mysteriously appear on the Marauder’s Map. (Yes, even if you’re a Squib.)
The Great Hall Gallery
Relive Yule Balls, Halloween feasts, and enchanted ceilings. Pro tip: it’s the perfect backdrop for your “I solemnly swear I’m up to no good” selfie.
Hogwarts House Gallery
Choose your house before you arrive and see your crest in glorious stained glass. No judgment if you switch loyalties just for the photo ops.
Hogwarts Classrooms
From Potions to Herbology, it’s all hands-on fun. Use digital wands, mix magical brews, and channel your inner Trelawney to predict your future (spoiler: it includes snacks from the gift shop).
Hagrid’s Hut & The Forbidden Forest
Expect Patronus charm action, Acromantulas (ew), and centaur sightings. And yes, you can peek inside Hagrid’s rustic pad. Try not to knock over any dragon eggs.
Merch, Magic & Mementos
Let’s be real — no visit is complete without a Chocolate Frog or a house-themed hoodie to flaunt on TikTok. The onsite retail shop is bursting with exclusive merchandise, including collectibles you can’t find anywhere else in the Wizarding World. Better start budgeting your Galleons.
Key Dates to Note (Set Reminders NOW):
Pre-Sale Begins: Monday, 23 June
Only for those who join the waitlist (seriously, don’t ghost this).
General Tickets On Sale: Tuesday, 24 June
Muggles, witches, and wizards — prepare to pounce.
A Spell Is Being Cast on the Capital
Through the joint efforts of Proactiv Entertainment, DCT Abu Dhabi, and Miral, this once-in-a-lifetime experience is being crafted for visitors from across the region. As Nicolas Renna of Proactiv Entertainment put it, “An indoor adventure filled with storytelling, innovation, and interactive magic is being delivered to families and fans this summer.”
So don’t let this magical opportunity be missed. Abu Dhabi is being transformed into a portal to the Wizarding World — and your journey is just waiting to be begun.
