Featured  ·  News  ·  Theme Parks

Miral Extends Bid Deadline for Harry Potter Land at Yas Island

August 7, 2025  ·
  Cham Lee
Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle at Universal Orlando

Hogwarts Castle in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure - Photo Credit: M. Montanaro

Harry Potter fans have a brand-new destination to look forward to as Warner Bros. is officially bringing a spellbinding new land to Yas Island as part of a major expansion of Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi.

This marks the first Harry Potter theme park land in Abu Dhabi—and the first Wizarding World-themed attraction developed outside the Universal Studios umbrella.

Draco Malfoy

Draco Malfoy talks to Harry Potter – YouTube, TODAY

The new Abu Dhabi Harry Potter land could open between 2026 and 2027, although no official date has been confirmed. Future updates on contractors, ride design, and construction progress are likely as Phase Two continues.

Scope of the Expansion

The Abu Dhabi Harry Potter project covers nearly 10 acres and will introduce three new rides, themed retail shops, immersive restaurants, and live entertainment. The design will reportedly differ from Universal’s versions, offering original ride experiences not previously seen in other Harry Potter-themed parks.

Diagon Alley Harry Potter Dragon in Universal Orlando

Diagon Alley in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Orlando – Photo Credit: M. Montanaro

Estimated construction costs are projected at AED 2 billion to AED 3 billion, or roughly $545 million to $816 million. This phase includes themed construction, mechanical and electrical works, and exterior show elements.

Progress and Key Partners

Early works began earlier this year. NSCC International and Emirates Electrical & Instrumentation Company are handling enabling and infrastructure tasks.

Harry Potter area at Epic Universe

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Epic Universe – Photo Credit: Marvin Montanaro

EllisDon, a Canadian consultancy, is acting as the lead project manager, while France’s Egis is designing the space.

Strategic Positioning and Background

The project was first announced in November 2022 by Miral and Warner Bros. Discovery. Once complete, it will become the sixth Wizarding World-branded destination globally and the first developed outside the Universal Parks & Resorts portfolio.

Hagrid

Hagrid in Harry Potter played by Robbie Coltrane – YouTube, Supercut Action

“Together with our lands at Universal parks, this will add a wholly new and spectacular destination for fans to immerse themselves in,” stated Warner Bros. president of global brands and experiences, Pam Lifford.

Miral’s goal is to attract more international family tourism to Yas Island and to establish Abu Dhabi as a world-class destination for immersive entertainment.

Wider Yas Island Vision

The Harry Potter land in Abu Dhabi is one piece of a broader expansion of Yas Island.

Disney Abu Dhabi

Concept art for the new Disney theme park in Abu Dhabi – Disney

In May 2025, Miral announced a collaboration with Disney to build a Disney theme park resort—the brand’s first in the Middle East. This new park joins a growing list of Yas Island attractions, including SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World, Etihad Arena, and Yas Waterworld.

What do you think of the new plans? Let us know in the comments below!

UP NEXT: Disney Theme Parks and Experiences Revenue Hits Record $9 Billion in Q3 2025, But Questions Linger on Attendance and Pricing

Author: Cham Lee
Cham Lee is an educator and researcher who enjoys travel across the United States. Mrs. Lee is avid in loom knitting, as well as a purveyor in all things non-coffee at Starbucks. You'll often find her in the great outdoors, Pink Drink in hand, wearing a scarf of her own creation.