Abu Dhabi Approves Major Theme Park Expansion; Potter Lands to Open by 2029
Miral and Warner Bros. Discovery plan major entertainment expansion on Yas Island through 2029.
Miral and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences have committed to a 70,000-square-meter expansion of Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, with three Harry Potter-themed lands scheduled to open by 2029 as the centerpiece of a capital program that will increase the park’s footprint by more than 50 percent.
The Abu Dhabi-based developer and operator, Miral, is partnering with Warner Bros. Discovery to deliver Diagon Alley, Hogwarts, and the Forbidden Forest across approximately 63,000 square meters of new space. Each land will feature world-exclusive attractions designed specifically for the Abu Dhabi location, with an emphasis on immersive storytelling and franchise-specific theming.
The Harry Potter additions are not the only new properties in the pipeline. Two DC-branded attractions, Kryptonite Collider and Superman Up and Away, were previously announced under the same development program. Together, the additions represent a substantial capital commitment to the Yas Island entertainment district.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Miral, placed the expansion squarely within Abu Dhabi’s economic policy framework. “Aligned with Abu Dhabi’s broader vision for economic diversification, enhanced tourism appeal, and the continued growth of a dynamic entertainment landscape, this expansion further reinforces Yas Island’s position as a leading global leisure and entertainment destination,” he said. Al Mubarak described the three Harry Potter lands as “a significant milestone in the continued evolution of Yas Island and the emirate of Abu Dhabi.”
That framing matters. Yas Island has long served as a vehicle for Abu Dhabi’s diversification strategy, and the scale of this investment signals continued government-aligned commitment to the entertainment sector as a driver of non-oil revenue.
Simon Robinson, President of Global Experiences and Studio Operations at Warner Bros. Discovery, characterized the project as central to the company’s long-term commercial direction. “Introducing three new Harry Potter-themed lands allows us to deepen the connection between our iconic franchises and the guests who cherish them,” Robinson said, adding that the development reflects “our long-term vision for immersive entertainment experiences that set new benchmarks for the industry.”
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi currently operates six immersive lands. The Harry Potter expansion broadens its intellectual property portfolio considerably and is expected to drive increased visitation to Yas Island across the construction period and beyond.
Al Mubarak also underscored the strategic value of the partnership itself, noting that Warner Bros. Discovery’s “collaboration brings globally recognised stories and characters to life through imaginative and immersive design.” The relationship between the two organizations has shaped the park’s development since its opening and shows no sign of narrowing in scope.
Construction is scheduled for completion by 2029, leaving a multi-year window for design, permitting, and build-out. Whether that timeline holds, and how the finished lands perform against the benchmarks Robinson described, will be the real measure of the investment’s success. Updates on the project are available at wbworldabudhabi.com/en/harry-potter as development progresses.
Q&A
What is the scale and composition of the Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi expansion?
The expansion comprises 70,000 square meters total, with three Harry Potter-themed lands occupying approximately 63,000 square meters. The project will increase the park's footprint by more than 50 percent and include world-exclusive attractions for Diagon Alley, Hogwarts, and the Forbidden Forest.
How does this expansion align with Abu Dhabi's stated economic policy?
According to Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Miral, the expansion is aligned with Abu Dhabi's broader vision for economic diversification, enhanced tourism appeal, and growth of the entertainment landscape. Yas Island has long served as a vehicle for Abu Dhabi's diversification strategy away from oil-dependent revenue.
Who are the primary organizations responsible for delivering this project?
Miral, the Abu Dhabi-based developer and operator, is partnering with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences to deliver the expansion. Miral holds primary responsibility for the development and operation, while Warner Bros. Discovery provides intellectual property and design expertise.
What is the expected completion timeline and what factors could affect it?
Construction is scheduled for completion by 2029. The timeline is subject to design, permitting, and build-out phases. Performance against industry benchmarks set by Warner Bros. Discovery will be the measure of the investment's success.