Middle East Film and Comic Con Returns to Abu Dhabi with Star-Studded Lineup and Thriving Creative Community

Abu Dhabi is bustling with superheroes, manga artists, professional wrestlers, cosplayers, and collectors as the 14th Middle East Film & Comic Con officially gets underway. The convention launched at the Adnec Centre on Friday and runs through Sunday, uniting celebrity guests, international comic book artists, and regional creators alongside gaming tournaments, cosplay competitions, anime experiences, and extensive collections of memorabilia. Building on last year's attendance of over 46,000 people, MEFCC has successfully evolved from a traditional comic and film convention into a massive celebration of popular culture.

A major highlight of this year's event is the impressive celebrity guest list. WWE star and actor John Cena is appearing alongside One Piece actors Mackenyu and Jacob Romero Gibson, Guardians of the Galaxy actress Pom Klementieff, Avatar: The Last Airbender star Arden Cho, Bridgerton actress Charithra Chandran, and Star Wars actor Joonas Suotamo. Fans can engage with stars through panels and Q&As on the Main Stage or purchase vouchers for photographs and autographs in the Meet the Stars area.

Beyond the main stage, much of the convention's vibrant character thrives among independent creators and small businesses. Rows of independent artists and illustrators are showcasing everything from self-published manga to handmade accessories and original artwork. Omani digital comic artist Fatima Al Lawati, who has attended MEFCC since 2017, is displaying her self-published manga alongside key chains, pins, stickers, and posters. Similarly, Duaa Alrefaie of UAE-based Shades Studio is exhibiting products crafted through the Japanese decoden technique, offering customized phone cases, jewelry boxes, and compact mirrors that have found a welcoming audience within the local community.

Regional publishing is also strongly represented by Sandstorm Comics, an Abu Dhabi publisher developing original stories and children's books. Editor-in-chief Mo Abedin notes that the company is introducing smaller manga-sized editions alongside traditional larger formats to cater to readers on the go. Additionally, the publisher is expanding its Little Storm children's line, which centers on Emirati identity, stories, and values.

Collector culture remains a cornerstone of the convention floor. Retailers are offering figures, Funko Pops, trading cards, apparel, and exclusive merchandise such as limited-edition comics, designer toys, Sega clothing, and Sonic the Hedgehog plushies. New attractions this year include the Comic Creators Club, Artist Alley, and the debut of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library. Anime streaming platform Crunchyroll is hosting its Ultimate Anime Experience, while the Otaku District offers J-pop and J-rock performances, karaoke, and dance workshops. For competitive visitors, the new TCG Arena is hosting Pokémon, One Piece, and Magic: The Gathering tournaments.

Cosplay continues to be one of MEFCC's most prominent traditions, featuring a Dh60,000 prize pool and a World Cosplay Summit preliminary round where the winning UAE team will advance to the 2027 finals in Nagoya, Japan. Other immersive attractions include a Resident Evil film installation, a Batmobile photo opportunity hosted by Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi, and interactive exhibits by Black+Decker and Tenxia Anime Dioramas. With alternative spaces like the Bookworm Lounge, Collectors Gallery, and the Festival Plaza food truck zone, the 14th edition of Comic Con continues to celebrate both international pop culture and the growing regional creative community.