Ultimate pop culture celebration in Abu Dhabi with cosplay, celebrities, and more

Dubai: Prepare for an extraordinary adventure at the Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC), the premier event for pop culture enthusiasts in the region! Happening from April 18 – 20 at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi, this year’s event promises a thrilling weekend overflowing with colourful cosplay, exhilarating gaming competitions, celebrity appearances, and captivating live entertainment. The event is an absolute must for comic book aficionados, film lovers, and pop culture fans alike! With immersive experiences, one-of-a-kind collectables, and heart-stopping showdowns, everyone will find something exciting to enjoy during these three vibrant days. Here are the top 10 experiences you can't miss at this year's MEFCC!

Get ready to be starstruck! This year's celebrity roster features an impressive array of talent, headlined by Andrew Garfield, known for his role as The Amazing Spiderman. Other big names include Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio from Daredevil, Grant Gustin as The Flash, Ian McDiarmid, who portrayed Emperor Palpatine in Star Wars, Natalia Dyer from Stranger Things, and Emily Rudd, who stars as Nami in the One-Piece live-action series. Fans can enjoy free panels on the Main Stage or purchase autograph and photo opportunities for those unforgettable mementos.

What’s a Comic Con without cosplayers? Gear up as your favorite character, whether it’s Deadpool or Sailor Moon, and let your creativity shine. This year features exciting new offerings like meet and greets with professional cosplayers, a dedicated meet-up spot for the cosplay community, and an on-site costume shop. Plus, don’t miss the much-anticipated Cosplay Competition at the Festival Plaza!

Wander through Artist Alley, where you’ll find local and regional talents showcasing their work. Pick up unique handcrafted pieces like artworks, drawings, keychains, and stickers. You'll definitely leave feeling inspired!

The vibrant heart of MEFCC, Festival Plaza invites families and friends to indulge in an array of activities. Enjoy food trucks, live performances, dance-offs, and a dedicated kids' play area. This year, catch performances by ASH DA HERO, Celinedee Matahari, and many more, along with the exciting Just Dance 2025 competition where a Nintendo Switch awaits the winner!

Join for exclusive celebrity Q&As, behind-the-scenes stories, and incredible fan moments. Whether you’re passionate about film, anime, comics, or gaming, the biggest names in the industry will be unveiling their insights and experiences in conversations you won’t find anywhere else.

Step into the Gaming Arena, a hub of video gaming, tournaments, and tech entertainment. Explore unreleased and indie games, compete for cash prizes, and snag exclusive goodies. It’s the perfect spot for gamers of all skill levels—from novices to pros!

Five renowned Japanese voice actors (seiyuu) will make their MEFCC debuts this year, including Daiki Yamashita (Deku from My Hero Academia) and Hideo Ishikawa (Itachi from Naruto). Get autographs, snap photos, and dive into authentic Japanese culture through activities like traditional kimono try-ons, shogi, calligraphy, origami, and a delightful Tea Ceremony.

Bring the whole family to the Kids Zone, featuring outdoor games, inflatable rides, face painting, and canvas art activities. Don’t miss the Tabletop Zone, where Back to Games and Superheated Neurons host a variety of board and card games—all for free! Enjoy competitive fun with family and friends while creating cherished memories.

Find your sanctuary at the Bookworm Lounge, where you can swap books, discover hidden gems, and attend community panels. MEFCC champions independent storytelling, showcasing finalist short films from this year’s competition. Eight fantastic short films will screen on day one at the Main Stage, with winners taking home fantastic prizes.

Shop for exclusive merchandise and rare finds that will thrill any fan. To elevate the value of your collectibles, visit CGC x JSA for autograph authentication, ensuring your cherished items are recognized and valued.