Studio Ghibli Is Turning Manarat Al Saadiyat Into a Portal to Another World

The World of Studio Ghibli exhibition is coming to Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi, opening 30 May 2026. The travelling exhibition turns key scenes from Ghibli films into full-scale sets you can actually walk through, from the sea railway in Spirited Away to Totoro’s famous bus stop in the rain. 

Tickets start from AED 125, and you’ll need about 60–90 minutes to get through the whole thing. It’s indoors, air-conditioned (obviously, this is Abu Dhabi), and aimed at both hardcore anime nerds and families who just want somewhere magical to take the kids. 

If you’re already planning your 2026 events calendar around things like Animenia Abu Dhabi’s anime takeover at Manarat Al Saadiyat, this one probably goes straight to the top of the list.

What is The World of Studio Ghibli exhibition?

This isn’t a simple art show with a few posters on the wall. The Abu Dhabi edition of The World of Studio Ghibli is positioned as a “breathtaking exhibition” that rebuilds scenes from the films at large scale. 

• 16 immersive sets inspired by Studio Ghibli films
• Iconic moments from Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Howl’s Moving Castle and more
• Sets and scenes created by Japanese artists and curated with Studio Ghibli itself
• Handcrafted artwork and in-gallery activities themed around nature and empathy

Each room is built to feel like you’ve stepped straight into a frame of the movie. You might be standing in Totoro’s forest one minute and boarding the sea railway the next. The sets are designed by Japanese artists, with Studio Ghibli overseeing the content, so it’s not just a random themed pop-up; it’s officially curated. 

If you’re the kind of person who checks our weekly cinema guide for new anime releases in UAE theatres, this is basically a physical version of that obsession. 

Dates, timings and location in Abu Dhabi

The practical stuff first, because this is the UAE and everyone is trying to juggle work, school runs and the odd cosplay build.

• Opening date: From 30 May 2026 
• Opening hours:
  • Monday: closed
  • Tuesday–Wednesday: 1pm – 7pm
  • Thursday–Sunday: 10am – 8pm 
• Recommended visit duration: 60–90 minutes 
• Venue: Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi 
• Parking: Free on-site parking 

Manarat Al Saadiyat has quietly become Abu Dhabi’s pop culture HQ, sharing hosting duties with Yas Island for things like Animenia and other festivals.  It’s easy to reach from both Abu Dhabi island and Dubai, and the whole thing is indoors and air-conditioned, which matters a lot when you’re queueing next to a life-size calcifer.

Tickets, prices and how to book

Like most big branded experiences in the UAE right now (Stranger Things: The Experience says hi from Yas Island), ticketing runs through a dedicated partner. In this case, it’s Fever. 

• Ticket price: From AED 125
• Where to buy:
  • Fever app (iOS and Android)
  • Fever website (linked from the official exhibition site) 
• On-site box office: Available, but subject to availability – tickets can sell out on busy days 
• Date changes: Possible up to 48 hours in advance, subject to availability 
• Refunds: Not generally allowed, except under UAE consumer protection rules 

You don’t need to print tickets; QR codes in the app or confirmation email are enough. Just make sure you log in with the same account you used to book. 

Given how fast anything anime-adjacent has been selling lately – from FNDM Dubai’s pop culture weekend to anime nights at local festivals – booking ahead is the safest move. 

Accessibility, age limits and house rules

Good news: this exhibition is built with families and mixed groups in mind.

• Age requirement: All ages welcome
  • Under-16s must be with an adult (18+)
  • Kids under 3 enter free, but prams are not allowed 
• Accessibility: Venue is wheelchair accessible 
• Venue type: Fully indoor, air-conditioned walkthrough 
• Photography: Personal photos are encouraged; professional gear and tripods are banned 
• Prohibited items:
  • Baby strollers and large backpacks (bigger than A4)
  • Outside food and drink
  • Weapons (obviously), fireworks and noise-making devices
  • Professional photo/video equipment 

It’s a walkthrough experience, so don’t expect seating inside the sets. There are restrooms on site, and food and drink will be available to buy at the event. 

Extra touches: audio trail, merch and photo ops

This is where it moves from “nice” to “worth blocking a Saturday for”.

• Audio trail with behind-the-scenes production stories and insights
• Photo ops in almost every corner, including character meet-and-pose moments 
• In-gallery activities inspired by Ghibli’s themes of nature and empathy
• Merch shop with official Studio Ghibli items 

The exhibition leans into Ghibli’s usual emotional territory – nature, quiet moments, and slightly unhinged magical creatures – rather than just being a wall of posters. If you’ve ever planned a trip to the Ghibli Museum or Ghibli Park in Japan and then cried at the flight prices, this is the closest you’ll get in the region for now.

FAQs: The World of Studio Ghibli Abu Dhabi

If you want to stack your 2026 diary with more anime and pop-culture events around the UAE, keep an eye on our coverage of Abu Dhabi’s big experiences like Stranger Things: The Experience and other festivals in the capital. 

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