Comic Con Abu Dhabi 2026 is officially back on the UAE events calendar, with Middle East Film & Comic Con returning to ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from September 11 to 13.
The three-day event will bring celebrity guests, comics, cosplay, gaming, Asian pop culture, workshops, fan competitions and collectibles together for one of the region’s biggest fandom weekends.
Dates, Venue And Tickets
The 2026 edition runs from Friday, September 11 to Sunday, September 13 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. Tickets are already on sale, with entry listed from Dhs160.
That makes early planning useful, especially for fans travelling from Dubai or other emirates. Hotels, transport and preferred ticket categories can become harder to manage closer to the event.
First Celebrity Guest Revealed
The first celebrity reveal is Mackenyu, the actor known internationally for playing Roronoa Zoro in Netflix’s live-action One Piece. Fans attending the convention can expect photo opportunities, autograph sessions and live speaking appearances.
More celebrity guests, creators and anime names are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. That means fans should treat the current line-up as the start, not the full programme.
Comic Creators Club Line-Up
Comic book fans also have strong names to watch. Jim Cheung, Federico Vicentini and Brett Breeding are joining the Comic Creators Club.
Their work connects with major titles including The Avengers, Amazing Spider-Man, Wolverine and The Death of Superman. For collectors and aspiring artists, those appearances can be as valuable as the celebrity stage sessions.
What Fans Can Expect On The Floor
The show floor is planned around more than 12 attractions, live entertainment and fan competitions. Expect anime, K-Pop and Asian pop culture in the Otaku District, plus gaming battles, tabletop adventures and trading card game action.
Artist Alley is also expected to return as a major draw for independent creators. Visitors can browse original art, comics, collectibles and exclusive merchandise while moving between panels and workshops.
Why It Matters For UAE Pop Culture
MEFCC has become more than a niche fan event. It now gives UAE audiences a single weekend where anime, film, gaming, comics, cosplay and creator culture overlap.
That mix is useful for families, young fans, collectors and serious pop-culture communities. It also gives Abu Dhabi another major September event after the quieter summer travel period.
The timing also works well for residents who skipped outdoor-heavy plans during summer. September is still warm, but an indoor convention gives fans a full-day plan with air-conditioned halls, scheduled appearances and enough variety to suit mixed groups.
For brands and creators, the event is a chance to meet audiences directly. Small artists, merchandise sellers and gaming communities often get visibility at conventions that would be difficult to build through social media alone.
Dubai Bliss readers can compare more upcoming plans in our UAE events coverage. Current ticket and programme details are available on the MEFCC website.
Booking Tips Before You Go
Buy tickets based on what you care about most. A casual visitor may only need general entry, while fans chasing autographs, photos or panels should check schedules and add-ons carefully.
If you are travelling from Dubai, plan the commute both ways. Convention days can run long, and late panels or meet-and-greets may affect your return timing.
Cosplayers should also check venue rules before building props or costumes. Comfortable shoes, water, portable chargers and a simple bag plan can make the weekend much easier.
FAQs
When is Comic Con Abu Dhabi 2026?
Middle East Film & Comic Con runs from September 11 to 13, 2026 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.
Who is the first celebrity guest announced?
Mackenyu, known for playing Roronoa Zoro in Netflix’s live-action One Piece, is the first celebrity reveal for this edition.
How much are tickets?
Tickets are listed from Dhs160. Prices can vary by ticket type, add-ons and availability.
What activities are included?
Fans can expect celebrity sessions, comic creators, cosplay, gaming, tabletop activities, Artist Alley, workshops, panels, merchandise and pop-culture zones.