Latest news with #WizardingWorld
UAE Moments
05-08-2025
- Entertainment
- UAE Moments
Check out This Harry Potter Exhibition in Abu Dhabi
The Harry Potter™: The Exhibition makes its grand Middle East debut at Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi from 31 July to 21 September 2025, offering fans an immersive journey into the Wizarding World. Spread across more than a dozen themed galleries, the exhibition transports visitors into iconic scenes—from a Gringotts-style vault housing a first edition of The Philosopher's Stone to a fully realized Hogwarts Castle complete with Whomping Willow, Dementors, and an interactive Marauder's Map. Upon entry, guests receive a wristband and select their Hogwarts house, wand, and Patronus, which personalizes their journey through the exhibit. As visitors engage in activities—brewing potions in Potions class, practicing spellcasting, testing Quidditch skills, and attending Herbology or Defense Against the Dark Arts lessons—they earn house points and unlock unique interactive features. Standout environments include immersive recreations of Hagrid's Hut (complete with oversized chair photo-op), the Forbidden Forest walkway, and Hogwarts classrooms filled with original props and costumes from Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, and the Broadway production Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Each themed zone is thoughtfully designed to engage sight, sound, and touch—some even introducing scent and animation via animatronic creatures. Open six days a week (closed on Tuesdays), the exhibition hours are flexible depending on the day: typically midday through evening, with last entry up to two hours before closing. Tickets start at AED 115, with VIP and Flex options that include priority entry, a commemorative tote bag, audio guide access, and fast-track benefits. Children under 3 enter for free when accompanied by an adult, and the venue is fully wheelchair accessible. Since its debut in Philadelphia in 2022, the exhibition has attracted over 3.5 to 3.7 million visitors worldwide and has visited cities like Melbourne, Krakow, New York, and Salt Lake City before arriving in Abu Dhabi. This is the first time the touring exhibition graces the UAE, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's growing status as a vibrant cultural and entertainment destination. In short, Harry Potter™: The Exhibition promises an enchanting experience for fans and newcomers alike—blending authentic film artifacts, hands-on magic, and cinematic storytelling into an unforgettable showcase that brings the world of Hogwarts to life in the heart of Abu Dhabi.
Khaleej Times
04-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
The Wizarding World lands in Abu Dhabi: Inside 'Harry Potter: The Exhibition'
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. 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.
The Sun
03-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Harry Potter event loved by millions of film buffs & celebs like Jude Law AXED for good…leaving fans' lives ‘ruined'
HARRY Potter fans will be crying into their butter beers as an annual Kings Cross tradition has been permanently axed, The Sun can reveal. The 'back to Hogwarts' gathering took place every September 1 at the London train station, attracting thousands of Potterheads - many in full costume. 9 9 9 9 They'd wait with baited breath for the tongue-in-cheek announcement that the fictional Hogwarts Express would depart from platform 9 ¾ at 11am, as happens in JK Rowling's books. A sign would also appear on the departure boards signalling the train going to "Hogsmeade" the town near where Hogwarts is located. In 2018, Hollywood stars Eddie Redmayne and Jude Law even attended to promote Potter spin-off movie Fantastic Beasts 2. However, last year fans booed when the fun public address failed to take place - and now we can reveal it will not return next month. National Rail said the event had attracted far too many crowds and had posed issues for genuine travellers getting their trains. A spokesperson said the last full gathering in 2023 saw thousands of people turn up 'which made it challenging for us as station operator'. They have now confirmed to The Sun: 'It is the same for this year, in that we won't be hosting the event at the station.' Instead, organisers Wizarding World and Warner Bros Discovery are putting on an online alternative this September 1. Writing on Facebook, fans were hopeful last year was just a blip. They said at the time: 'It's so sad that this was cancelled… nice to have traditions as most things have been ruined these days.' Another added: 'It brings people together.' JK Rowling hails BBC host for refusing to say 'pregnant people' live on air And another: 'It's awful they took a small piece of fun away, life's too short." A third said: 'It was so nice that the station used to actually announce this, such fun. But I can see why they decided to end this - way too many people and too much of a disruption for a real train station.' The Potterverse is currently experiencing a boost in popularity with the upcoming Amazon-produced series, which began filming last month. The book series, written by Rowling, began with Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, released in 1997, to huge commercial success. The first film, starring Daniel Radcliffe in the title role, came out in 2001. There are a total of seven books and eight films, ending in 2011. The franchise has since continued to grow exponentially, including the WB studio tour at Leavesden Studios, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter sections within Universal theme parks in Orlando, Hollywood, Japan and Beijing. More than 23 million passengers started or ended their journey at Kings Cross in 2022, according to Railway Data. A Warner Bros. Discovery spokesperson said: "Similar to last year, we can confirm that there will be no Back to Hogwarts event, announcement, or countdown at Kings Cross Station, and fans should not plan to go there on 1 st September. "We have plenty of fun in store for fans celebrating Back to Hogwarts however, both online and in person. "Plans include a special free screening of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, with a live Q&A with James and Oliver Phelps, special giveaways, competitions and more." 9 9 9 9 9
The National
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Timeframe: When the UAE was left spellbound by Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Abu Dhabi is getting ready for a spellbinding experience as Harry Potter: The Exhibition comes to Manarat Al Saadiyat. But before the exhibition, the UAE was already captivated by the wizarding world created by J K Rowling as fans of the Boy Wizard turned out to Dubai's Mall of the Emirates for the book launch of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in July 2016. The book featured the script of the then-new two-part play of the same name, which had its official premiere in London's West End. Fans of the eagerly awaited novel turned out to the Virgin Megastore inside the mall at 2am to be among the first to get a copy. The book went on sale at 3am, to coincide with the midnight launch in the UK. To set the mood, the Harry Potter movie theme music played in the background as fans dressed up for the occasion. Some had lightning-shaped scars on their foreheads, created with make-up pencils, while others wore the wizard's signature round eyeglasses. A woman wore a lavender wig – probably in honour of Nymphadora Tonks, a witch who died while defending Hogwarts – while a Professor Snape look-alike was spotted, with the distinctive nose and severe black hairstyle, along with a touch of kohl around the eyes. Black picnic tables were set up at the entrance of the store to mimic the Hogwarts Great Hall, while gold and black balloons were on the floor. There was even one foil balloon in the shape of the Snitch – the winged ball used in the wizarding sport of Quidditch. Co-written by Rowling, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is set 19 years after the conclusion of the final novel in the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. It features a grown-up Harry, struggling to balance his life as a father of three and an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic.
The National
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Five tips for a magical visit to Harry Potter: The Exhibition in Abu Dhabi
A touring exhibition celebrating Harry Potter's Wizarding World has opened in the UAE, making its first visit to the Middle East. Harry Potter: The Exhibition opened on Thursday at Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi and will run until September 21. The global tour opened in Philadelphia in February 2022, and has travelled to major cities across North America, Europe and Australia, including New York, Atlanta, Vienna, Paris and Melbourne. The immersive experience brings to life the magical universe in the book and film series. It has already attracted 3.7 million visitors worldwide – making it a must for Potter fans in the Emirates. Whether you are a lifelong Gryffindor or a curious Muggle, here is what to expect when entering the world of Harry Potter in Abu Dhabi. Dress up for photo opportunities Harry Potter fans are some of the most passionate in the world, and the exhibition awards such dedication early on. To start the experience, guests are given an armband and asked to sign up for an account, adding in key fandom details such as their favourite Hogwarts School house, magic wand and chosen Patronus – akin to a spirit animal or guardian. Each armband then activates activities throughout the attraction's 25 rooms. Before the fun fully begins, guests have the opportunity to capture their excitement in a photobooth. They can preview the images against different Potter-themed backgrounds and then collect them after the exhibition. Maximise the photo opportunities by dressing for the occasion, by wearing your Hogwarts house uniforms or movie merchandise, or perhaps as characters that feature throughout the tour. Search out your favourite characters Everyone who has watched the Harry Potter films likes the main trio of Harry, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. But there are plenty of other characters who are fan favourites, despite only having limited screen time. As you explore, it's worth keeping an eye out, as just about every memorable character from the films is represented in the exhibition, be it the whimsical Luna Lovegood, the dastardly Severus Snape or the beguiling Remus Lupin. Also a Twilight fan? You'll be glad to know there is plenty of Robert Pattinson's character Cedric Diggory on show too, despite his short run in the movies. The exhibition offers the chance to get a close look at the details of your favourite character's original costumes. Come ready to engage with every activity Passing through each room, visitors will notice pads that are activated by their armbands. These might generate something simple and cute like seeing your name on the Marauder's Map, or something more elaborate, such as being given a house by the Sorting Hat. Some activities are more playful, such as mixing potions or scoring at Quidditch – and the points matter. At the end of the tour, there is a screen that displays the amount of points each house has accumulated, so represent your house well and ace those challenges. Come with enough time and energy to make the most of each activity. Budget for the gift shop Don't have any Harry Potter gear? Don't fret, there's a large merchandise and gift shop at the end of the experience. The selection is comprehensive, so plan ahead to get gifts for your Potter-loving friends. From film-accurate Hogwarts uniforms to mugs and key chains, there's something for every fan. Sample butterbeer The Harry Potter books and films have introduced audiences to many peculiar and tasty foods and snacks, as well as the wizard's drink of choice – butterbeer. At the exhibition, fans can savour a real-life version of the frothy, sweet beverage enjoyed by Harry and his friends at the Three Broomsticks Inn in Hogsmeade. Non-alcoholic and served chilled, it blends butterscotch and shortbread flavours. Keen fans can choose to enjoy it in special butterbeer glass that they can take home.
