Event Overview
- Dates: September 11 to September 13, 2026
- Location: ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi
- Status: Sold-out sessions
The Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC) 2026 has officially arrived in Abu Dhabi, transforming the ADNEC Centre into a vibrant hub for fans of anime, gaming, manga, and Japanese pop culture. While the event typically takes place in April, this year’s schedule was adjusted due to regional circumstances, a change that only seemed to heighten the anticipation among the community.
The convention opened its doors on September 11, immediately drawing a massive influx of attendees. The opening day saw long, steady queues of enthusiasts eager to enter the venue. Organizers advise visitors to plan their arrival carefully, as the high volume of traffic can make navigating the entrance a time-consuming process.
Once inside, the floor is packed with activity, ranging from an expansive artist alley to specialized retail zones. Attendees can browse a wide array of merchandise, including pins, sketches, stickers, and limited-edition trading cards. The atmosphere is defined by a diverse crowd, with many fans arriving in elaborate costumes representing characters from franchises like Harry Potter, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Pokémon.
Cosplay remains a central pillar of the experience. Lojyn, a 21-year-old Sudanese artist and Dubai resident, highlighted the dedication required for the craft. Dressed as Till from Alien Stage, she noted that she spent over a week sourcing thrifted materials and styling wigs to perfect her look. She also observed a significant increase in attendance compared to previous years, noting that the event has become a welcoming space for families to bond over shared interests.
Other participants, such as the cosplayer known as Eight, who appeared as Mahito from Jujutsu Kaisen, spent the day exploring the artist stalls and engaging with the community. Meanwhile, first-time cosplayer Inaaya Ghufran, a 12-year-old Pakistani expat, embraced the spirit of the event by dressing as Homura Akemi from Puella Magi Madoka Magica.
The convention also serves as a platform for celebrity interaction. Charithra Chandran, known for her roles in One Piece and Bridgerton, addressed the audience to discuss her career trajectory. She expressed an interest in exploring the horror genre and shifting her focus toward producing and enabling opportunities for other creative talent. When asked for advice for aspiring performers, she emphasized the importance of authenticity, stating that it is a quality that audiences can immediately recognize.
Beyond the main stage, the event offers various interactive experiences. The Bookworm Lounge, sponsored by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, provides a space for attendees to swap books and manga, often accompanied by personal notes left for the next reader. For those needing a break, the area surrounding the grand gallery features a variety of food trucks serving options ranging from burgers and Korean street food to fish and chips.
Event Highlights and Resources
- Celebrity guests: Charithra Chandran, John Cena, Simu Liu, and Mackenyu.
- Activities: Cosplay showcases, artist alley shopping, and book exchanges.
- Dining: On-site food trucks offering diverse international cuisine.
- Community: A growing space for families and fans to celebrate pop culture.
As the convention continues through September 13, the blend of high-profile celebrity meet-and-greets and grassroots fan participation underscores the event’s status as a major cultural fixture in the region. Whether attendees are there to hunt for rare collectibles or simply to immerse themselves in the creative energy of the cosplay community, the 2026 edition of MEFCC continues to draw record-breaking interest. The report also notes that this is where life goes to get anime-shaped. The report also notes that carry a katana and wear a kimono, or embody their costume so thoroughly that they look like a shadow come to life, where the person standing next to you may have the ears of an elf. The report also notes that if efficient in funnelling you through – but we do suggest all water and bathroom breaks be taken before you enter the fray, the queues were long. The report also notes that you’ll find some of your favourite characters looking at the memorabilia too, more often than not. The report also notes that who has been in the UAE since 2020-21, says she enjoys not just cosplaying but also the journey behind creating the costume, the Dubai resident. The report also notes that “So, I’ll go out, thrift for whatever I might need, paint it if I have to, rip it up if I have to. The report also notes that this [costume], I believe, I did like over a week where I went out with friends, we thrifted everything, and then like I spent the rest of it just like working at home, adjusting everything to my size.”. The report also notes that former exhibiter who goes by the Insta handle @Dove_soda decided to see if her cosplay could create anonymity for her in the community.