Anime fans hoping to visit The World of Studio Ghibli next year will need a little more patience.
Organizers have officially confirmed that the highly anticipated immersive exhibition has been rescheduled to 2027, pushing back one of the region's most anticipated cultural experiences. Instead of opening in 2026 as originally planned, visitors will now be able to explore the exhibition from June 4 until August 29, 2027.
While the wait is longer than expected, excitement remains high for what promises to be one of the largest Studio Ghibli experiences ever presented in the Middle East.
Hosted at Manarat Al Saadiyat on Saadiyat Island, the exhibition will bring some of Studio Ghibli's most iconic worlds to life through large-scale installations, interactive galleries, exclusive merchandise, and immersive storytelling.
A Bigger Wait For One Of The Year's Biggest Exhibitions
The updated opening schedule gives fans additional time before experiencing one of Japan's most beloved animation studios in person.
The exhibition has already attracted huge audiences during previous international stops, earning praise for its attention to detail and faithful recreations of scenes from Studio Ghibli classics.
Now, visitors in the UAE will have the opportunity to experience the exhibition when it opens in summer 2027.
Step Inside Studio Ghibli's Most Iconic Films
Unlike a traditional museum exhibition, The World of Studio Ghibli is designed to place visitors inside the worlds created by legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli.
The experience features 16 immersive galleries inspired by 10 iconic films, combining large-scale scenery, interactive displays, handcrafted artwork, and storytelling.
Every gallery has been created by Japanese artists and exhibition designers to recreate some of animation's most memorable moments.
Highlights Fans Can Look Forward To
The Famous Totoro Bus Stop
Visitors can recreate one of Studio Ghibli's most recognizable scenes at the life-size Totoro bus stop inspired by My Neighbor Totoro.
The iconic rainy bus stop has become one of the exhibition's signature photo opportunities around the world.
Explore Howl's Moving Castle
Fans will also be able to experience a detailed recreation inspired by Howl's Moving Castle, allowing guests to walk through elements of the magical structure that has captivated audiences for decades.
Sit Beside No-Face
Another highlight recreates the unforgettable train sequence from Spirited Away, where visitors can sit beside No-Face inside a beautifully designed replica carriage.
The installation has become one of the exhibition's most photographed attractions during previous international tours.
Discover How The Magic Was Made
Beyond the famous movie scenes, the exhibition also offers a closer look at Studio Ghibli's creative process.
Displays inspired by concept art, production design, animation techniques, and settings such as Kiki's workshop provide visitors with a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind the films.
Audio guides throughout the exhibition help explain the inspiration and storytelling behind many of the installations.
Official Studio Ghibli Merchandise
The experience concludes with an official retail area featuring licensed Studio Ghibli products.
Visitors can browse exclusive collectibles, character merchandise, gifts, and souvenirs celebrating beloved films including My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke, and other Studio Ghibli classics.
Why This Exhibition Has Become A Global Phenomenon
The World of Studio Ghibli has earned a reputation as one of the most celebrated touring exhibitions dedicated to Japanese animation. Rather than relying solely on digital screens or traditional museum displays, the experience recreates memorable locations from Studio Ghibli films using handcrafted sets, immersive environments, and detailed artistic design that allow visitors to feel as though they have stepped directly into the stories.
The exhibition has attracted large crowds wherever it has toured, with fans travelling specifically to experience the installations and photograph some of the studio's most iconic scenes. Its popularity reflects the enduring appeal of Studio Ghibli, whose films continue to introduce new generations of viewers to timeless characters, emotional storytelling, and beautifully imagined worlds.
For many visitors, the exhibition is more than just a collection of displays. It offers a rare opportunity to explore the artistry behind some of Japan's most influential animated films while experiencing familiar locations in full scale. Whether someone grew up watching My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, or Kiki's Delivery Service, the exhibition is designed to bring those memories to life in an entirely new way.
Everything Visitors Need To Know
Before planning a visit, here are the key details confirmed by organizers.
Venue
Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island
Dates
June 4 to August 29, 2027
Ticket Prices
Starting from AED 125
Where To Book
Official exhibition website and Fever
Duration
Approximately 60 to 90 minutes
Who Can Attend
- Suitable for all ages
- Visitors under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or above
- Children under three enter free
Important Visitor Information
Prams and strollers will not be permitted inside the exhibition.
A Global Exhibition Finally Arrives In The UAE
The World of Studio Ghibli has previously toured internationally, attracting large crowds in cities including Tokyo, Singapore, and Bangkok.
Its arrival in the UAE marks the exhibition's first appearance in the Middle East, giving regional fans an opportunity to experience the acclaimed showcase without travelling overseas.
Given Studio Ghibli's enduring popularity and the continued growth of anime culture across the region, organizers are expecting strong demand once the exhibition opens.
Why This Matters
Major international exhibitions continue choosing the UAE as a destination for global cultural experiences, reflecting the country's growing influence in entertainment, tourism, and the creative industries.
Although visitors will need to wait until summer 2027, The World of Studio Ghibli is already shaping up to become one of the region's most anticipated immersive attractions.
For longtime fans and newcomers alike, the exhibition promises an opportunity to step inside the imaginative worlds that have inspired generations of audiences around the globe.
