Harry Potter: The exhibition is coming to Abu Dhabi — And it's a total dream for Potterheads this summer

Dubai: Wands at the ready, UAE! If you’ve ever waited for your Hogwarts letter (don’t lie, we all did), here’s your chance to step into the Wizarding World for real. Harry Potter: The Exhibition — the blockbuster global tour that has already enchanted over 3.7 million fans — is finally making its Middle East debut, landing at Abu Dhabi’s Manarat Al Saadiyat on July 25. And this isn’t just a boring museum stroll with a wand in the corner — it’s an all-out, interactive, mind-blowingly magical experience that’ll have you shouting “Lumos!” the moment you walk in.

So, what exactly is it? Think: the ultimate fan fever dream. You’ll walk through beautifully recreated environments from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, see authentic props and costumes up close (yes, including that Yule Ball outfit), cast a Patronus, duel a boggart, brew potions in Snape’s classroom, and — the cherry on top — get sorted into your Hogwarts house for a custom journey through the exhibition. No Felix Felicis needed, just show up.

Some major highlights? There’s the From Page to Screen Gallery, where a first edition Philosopher’s Stone is tucked away inside a Gringotts-style vault. The Hogwarts Castle Gallery brings you face to face with Dementors and lets you track your name on the Marauder’s Map. Over at the Great Hall, you can bask in candlelit grandeur, while the Hogwarts Houses Gallery gives you a chance to strut your stuff in a Sorting Hat moment made for Instagram. And yes, there’s a gift shop stacked with exclusive merch, from Chocolate Frogs to house scarves you won’t find anywhere else — so bring a Galleon or two.

And because Abu Dhabi doesn’t do anything halfway, this epic experience is being brought to life by Proactiv Entertainment, with support from the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Miral. Translation: expect top-tier design, seamless storytelling, and some serious wow factor. It’s the perfect indoor summer plan for families, fans, and anyone who’s ever muttered “Alohomora” at a locked door.

Want early access to tickets? You’ll need to join the waitlist at abudhabi.harrypotterexhibition.com before June 23, when pre-sale goes live. General tickets open on June 24 — but trust us, they’ll disappear faster than a Golden Snitch.

Whether you're a Gryffindor with a flair for drama, a Hufflepuff ready to soak in every cozy detail, a brainy Ravenclaw snapping pics of the stained-glass windows, or a slick Slytherin hunting the best merch, this exhibition has your name all over it — literally, in some cases.

So dust off your robe, polish your wand, and get ready to walk through two decades of magic. Hogwarts is calling — and this time, you don’t need an owl to answer.