- Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC) returns to ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from 11–13 September 2026.
- Star-studded celebrity lineup features John Cena, Mackenyu, Pom Klementieff, and Arden Cho.
- Cosplayers battle for an AED 60,000 prize pool and a ticket to the World Cosplay Summit (WCS) 2027 in Japan.
- Highlights include a 300-player TCG Arena, Crunchyroll’s Otaku District, and Artist Alley.
Pop culture fans, assemble! The region’s biggest celebration of cinema, gaming, comics, anime, and pop culture—the Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC)—is taking over ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from 11 to 13 September 2026.
Whether you’re gearing up in full, screen-accurate cosplay, hunting for rare retro collectibles, challenging tabletop rivals, or looking for an unforgettable family weekend outing, here are the top 10 things you cannot miss at MEFCC 2026.
1. Catch the High-Stakes Cosplay Face-Off
Cosplay is the beating heart of MEFCC, and this year’s Cosplay Competition features the region’s elite crafters and performers facing off for an AED 60,000 prize pool. Even bigger: the UAE’s winning team will secure the ultimate honor to represent the nation at the WCS 2027 Finals in Nagoya, Japan. Not competing? Head over to Cosplay Central to meet world-renowned international guest cosplayers including Aokiji and Marmalade, or take a stroll down the Cosplay Catwalk to show off your outfit to an adoring crowd.
2. Duel in the 300-Player TCG Arena
Think your deck has what it takes to dominate? Head straight to the TCG Arena for three action-packed days of card tournaments across Pokémon, One Piece, and Magic: The Gathering. With 300 player spots, learn-to-play sessions for beginners, and exclusive prizes on the line, it’s the ultimate battleground for both competitive pros and casual fans.
3. Meet Hollywood & Anime Superstars
Get up close and personal with pop culture icons in the Meet the Stars Zone. Grab autographs and photo ops with a blockbuster celebrity roster, including:
- John Cena (WWE Legend & Peacemaker)
- Mackenyu (Roronoa Zoro in Netflix’s One Piece)
- Pom Klementieff (Mantis in Guardians of the Galaxy, Mission: Impossible)
- Arden Cho (Teen Wolf, Avatar: The Last Airbender)
- Joonas Suotamo (Chewbacca in Star Wars)
- Jacob Romero Gibson (Usopp in One Piece)
- Charithra Chandran (Bridgerton)
Pro Tip: VIP pass holders receive vouchers included with their ticket. General admission ticket holders can purchase vouchers directly at the venue 60 minutes before each session (subject to availability).
4. Grab a Front-Row Seat at the Main Stage
The MEFCC Main Stage is your window into the creative minds behind Hollywood blockbusters, streaming hits, and classic comic books. Take a seat among thousands of fellow fans for exclusive celebrity panels, unreleased trailers, community discussions, deep-dive Q&As, and untold behind-the-scenes stories directly from the actors, directors, and creators.
5. Immerse in the Crunchyroll Otaku District
Dedicated to anime and Asian pop culture lovers, the Otaku District (sponsored by Crunchyroll) is an electric world of its own. Dive into live J-pop and J-rock cover bands, high-energy K-pop Random Play Dances, open karaoke, choreography workshops, anime trivia quizzes, and Janken (rock-paper-scissors) showdowns. Don’t miss the Asian snack stop for authentic street treats to keep you energized.
6. Score Rare Finds with Comic & Toy Retail Therapy
Come with a wishlist, leave with grails you never knew existed. The massive retail and exhibition floor brings together top regional and international retailers showcasing limited-edition statues, rare action figures, vintage comic books, exclusive Funko Pops, apparel, trading cards, and one-of-a-kind merchandise.
7. Support Creators at Artist Alley & Comic Creators Club
MEFCC is built on celebrating the creative minds who shape our favorite universes. Explore Artist Alley and the Comic Creators Club to meet international comic book illustrators, regional graphic novelists, and local caricaturists. Discover original indie prints, purchase limited-run art, and even commission bespoke, custom sketches on the spot.
8. Refuel at the Food Truck Park
When you need to recharge between panels and tournaments, the MEFCC Food Truck Park offers an expansive outdoor lineup catering to every craving and dietary preference. Refuel with smoked barbecue from Mattar Farm, smash burgers from Salt, crispy bites from Wing Stop, creative sushi from Moshi, and natural ice pops from House of Pops.
9. Roll the Dice in the Tabletop Zone
Disconnect from screens and pull up a chair for analog gaming fun. The Tabletop Zone is packed with hundreds of board games, giant garden games, strategic miniatures, and puzzle challenges suited for all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or playing your first board game, dedicated Game Masters are standing by to guide you through rules and setup.
10. Discover Hidden Gems Across the Show Floor
The adventure doesn’t stop at the main halls. Test your reflexes on cutting-edge consoles and PC rigs in the Gaming Zone, marvel at museum-grade memorabilia in the Collectors Gallery, relax with graphic novels in the Bookworm Lounge, or take the family to the Festival Plaza for carnival games and outdoor entertainment.
Event & Ticket Information
- Dates: Friday, 11 September to Sunday, 13 September 2026
- Location: ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Ticket Pricing:
- 1-Day Pass: From AED 160
- 3-Day Weekend Pass: From AED 390
- Kids (7–11 years): AED 50 (purchased at venue)
- Kids (6 and under): FREE entry
- Official Website & Bookings: mefcc.com
