Warner Brothers World Abu Dhabi: Inside the billion dollar indoor theme park
A sneak peek into the latest theme park to open in the UAE’s capital
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.When I first got glimpse of Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi, it’s like I’ve stepped into a compartment of my childhood brain. Here is a place where so many of my film, television and comic book heroes all live under one roof and, just for the day, I get to be a kid all over again.
From favourites like DC superheroes Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, to much-loved animation characters from Looney Tunes and Hanna-Barbera like Tom and Jerry, Scooby-Doo and The Flintstones, this world-class theme park brings them to life in front of my eyes.
It’s based on Abu Dhabi’s leisure destination, Yas Island, already home to giant indoor theme park Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and the world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa. Now, the 1.65-million-square-foot, climate-controlled Warner Bros World park adds nearly 30 more rides to the island, including Batman: Knight Flight, which allows visitors to experience flying in the Batwing – heaven for a comic book nerd like me.
There are six expertly designed immersive lands to explore, each cooler than the last, including DC’s Metropolis and Gotham City, Cartoon Junction, Bedrock, Dynamite Gulch and Warner Bros Plaza. I wander through them all, marvelling at the fact the interior is designed to look like it’s always midday.
There’s also an incredible range of themed dining experiences, from grab-and-go eateries to full-service sit-down restaurants and cafes, as well as custom-designed shops featuring bespoke Warner Bros merchandise – some of which have been developed exclusively for the park. My favourite one is Bistro Le Pew – it’s reminiscent of a 1950s diner, with a heavy sprinkle of that Pepe Le Pew je ne sais quoi.
But the real excitement begins in Warner Bros Plaza, where guests can meander the streets of the art deco-themed portal to the various lands. But which to pick first? I plump for the gleaming urban landscape of Metropolis, where I immediately channel my inner Diana Prince, revelling in the heroic optimism of the Justice League as I walk along the Avenue of Tomorrow.
I then make my way to the dark alleys of Gotham City, where devious masterminds such as The Joker and Harley Quinn wreak havoc. In contrast, I find bright blue skies and fluffy white clouds when I amble into Cartoon Junction to see a lineup of childhood favourites come to life. This is where I find my groove – after all, it’s the perfect neighbourhood. Where else can you see Tom and Jerry, Scooby and the gang, Bugs Bunny and the Loony Tunes cast all in one place? It was like walking directly into my Saturday morning telly world.
Pumped with happiness, I leave the colourful houses behind for the lofty dunes of Dynamite Gulch, the space filled with delighted screams from thrill seekers enjoying a supremely twisty roller coaster.
And then, finally, I go all the way to the modern Stone Age in Bedrock, the town that the most lovable cave families, the Flintstones and the Rubbles, call home. The highlight is undoubtedly getting into one of the pre-historic cars.
The whole thing is a massive tick on my bucket list. And, if you’re going as an adult, take note: release your inner child and get prepared to have a yabba dabba doo time.
Travel essentials
Getting there
Etihad Airways, the United Arab Emirates’ national airline, offers daily flights from London and Manchester to Abu Dhabi from £720 return.
British Airways also operates daily direct flights to Abu Dhabi from £360 return.
Staying there
The four-star Yas Island Rotana offers doubles from £54, room only.
More information
Tickets for Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi costs around £60 per adult and around £50 for those over the age of three. Fast track tickets are highly recommended to avoid queues.