Harry Potter’s first Forbidden Forest theme park land announced for Abu Dhabi

The expansion will include the Forbidden Forest, Diagon Alley and Hogwarts, along with world-exclusive rides designed specifically for Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi.

Construction is targeted for completion in 2029, although an official opening date has not been announced.

The first Forbidden Forest theme park land

The Forbidden Forest represents the biggest surprise in the announcement. Although the dangerous woodland bordering Hogwarts has appeared in attractions and temporary experiences, it has never received its own permanent theme park land.

Universal Orlando’s Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure takes riders into the Forbidden Forest, where they encounter creatures including Fluffy, Cornish Pixies, a Centaur and Blast-Ended Skrewts. However, the forest serves as the setting for an attraction within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Hogsmeade, not a separate land.

Universal Studios Hollywood went further during Universal Fan Fest Nights in spring 2026. “Forbidden Forest: Search for the Hippogriff” was an interactive outdoor walkthrough created exclusively for the limited-time, separately ticketed event.

Guests followed a Hogwarts professor into the forest, cast spells and encountered Acromantula, Devil’s Snare and Cornish Pixies while searching for a missing Hippogriff. The experience was offered during 12 event nights from April 23 through May 16, 2026.

Watch our YouTube video below for a look at the experience.

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi’s version is therefore expected to become the first permanent theme park land built around the Forbidden Forest.

No individual rides have been revealed, but the companies confirmed that the three lands will contain Harry Potter-themed attractions found nowhere else. The official Warner Bros. World website says it will announce additional details about the rides and immersive adventures later.

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi growing by more than 50%

The three Harry Potter lands will cover approximately 63,000 square meters, or 678,000 square feet.

They are part of a larger expansion that also includes the previously announced DC attractions “Kryptonite Collider” and “Superman Up and Away.” Together, the additions will increase the size of Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi by more than 50%, adding approximately 70,000 square meters — 753,478 square feet — of theme park space.

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi currently contains six indoor lands featuring DC characters, Looney Tunes, Hanna-Barbera properties and other Warner Bros. franchises.

Simon Robinson, President Global Experiences & Studio Operations, Warner Bros. Discovery, said: “The expansion of Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi represents a significant step forward in our commitment to building world‑class destinations anchored in the strength of our storytelling. Introducing three new Harry Potter–themed lands allows us to deepen the connection between our iconic franchises and the guests who cherish them. This development reflects our long‑term vision for immersive entertainment experiences that set new benchmarks for the industry, and we look forward to unveiling environments that fans will love for generations to come.”

The Harry Potter expansion was first announced without detailed lands or attractions. This new reveal establishes its three major environments and confirms that construction is targeted for completion in 2029. Further details about the Forbidden Forest, Diagon Alley, Hogwarts and their exclusive rides remain under wraps.