ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)

Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with event agency BRAG, the inaugural Animenia Abu Dhabi festival will be held from October 23-27 at Saadiyat Cultural District in the emirate.

The five-day anime festival will transport fans and gamers into the vibrant world of Neo-Tokyo, and establish the emirate as a hub for the growing anime fandom in the region.

Against the beachfront backdrop of Saadiyat Island, the festival will feature some of the biggest names in anime and video gaming, along with a lineup of concerts, J-Pop performances, and character appearances from popular shows.

Setting a new standard for anime festivals, Animenia Abu Dhabi will host an international cosplay competition, with more than Dh400,000 in prizes, the most ever offered in any anime festival globally.

The festival will offer meet-and-greets from anime directors, manga artists and video game creators, a gaming hub, and engaging workshops, enabling guests to immerse themselves in the creativity of anime.

Fans will step into themed exhibits, meet their favourite characters, snack on Japanese street food, and collect exclusive anime and manga merchandise.

Tickets are available on the Animenia Abu Dhabi festival website, as well as Ticket Master.

Visitors can buy a Festival Day Pass starting from AED65, and a limited number of five-Day Festival Passes at Dh425.

Concert General Admission tickets providing access to the festival and concert grounds are Dh185.

Guests can also opt for the Meet-and-Greet add-on for Dh100.