Back to Hogwarts Day: Fans gather as anticipation grows for Harry Potter land in Abu Dhabi
Harry Potter fans from across the world have gathered for the first London Back to Hogwarts celebration led by HBO Max, as anticipation builds for both the television series arriving on OSN+ this Christmas and the themed land being developed in Abu Dhabi. Influential content creators and fans from across Europe, Asia and North America are among those attending the day-long event at Old…
Harry Potter enthusiasts from around the globe convened for the inaugural Back to Hogwarts celebration in London, hosted by HBO Max. This event, which took place on September 1, marked the day when students board the Hogwarts Express. The gathering, held at Old Billingsgate, attracted influential content creators and fans from Europe, Asia, and North America.
Attendees had the opportunity to pose on Hagrid's flying motorcycle, inspect a wizard chess display, and participate in games like Hogwarts Legacy and Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery. A central feature of the event was Platform 9¾, the portal where young witches and wizards traditionally entered Hogwarts in the books and films.
The event also spotlighted HBO's upcoming adaptation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, starring Lebanese-Palestinian actress Sirine Saba as Professor Pomona Sprout. This marks a significant step in the development of Abu Dhabi's Harry Potter-themed land, set to open in 2029. Warner Bros Discovery and Miral have announced plans for a major expansion of Warner Bros World Yas Island, which will include familiar locations from the wizarding world such as Hogwarts Castle, Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade, and the Forbidden Forest.
The land is expected to feature about three original rides and will be entirely indoors and climate-controlled.
British content creator Alice Lambert-Brown, with over 900,000 TikTok followers, expressed her excitement about the Abu Dhabi development, having previously visited Harry Potter attractions in Japan and Orlando. She noted that living in Abu Dhabi as a child would make this visit particularly special. Belgian creator Will Giffard, who has visited similar attractions in Japan, China, and Orlando, emphasized the immersive experience the Abu Dhabi land would offer.
Turkish content creator Mine Yagiz, who has visited Warner Bros Studio Tour London and Universal Studios Beijing, sees Abu Dhabi as another destination to add to her travel list.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
