Countdown begins in Dubai for latest Harry Potter book

A mile -long queue in London, a countdown in New York's Time Square, and a giant billboard on Sunset Strip, Los Angeles, are just some of the activities expected to preclude the book's launch which is scheduled for three minutes past midnight on June 21st (GMT).

Exactly at that time, 03.03hrs local time, on June 21st, first copies of JK Rowling's latest offering are expected to be flying off the shelves at Dubai Duty Free.

Commenting on this publishing first for Dubai Duty Free, Managing Director Colm McLoughlin said: "Being a 24-hour operation, we have been able to launch the book at the same time as the UK and worldwide launch of Harry Potter. The level of interest in this series of books is incredible and we are delighted to be able to offer young travellers the chance to buy this latest edition at the same time as the rest of the world."

During the launch Dubai Duty Free will create a Harry Potter display area where children can be photographed along with the wizard world's hero.

Rowling's four previous Potter novels have worldwide sales of more than 190 million and sales are expected to be brisk following a three-year wait for the fifth book.

The author, a multi-millionaire as a result of her literary success, has been credited with encouraging children to return to reading as a means of entertainment.