Today's Edition
TAARIQ HALIM (ABU DHABI)
The Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC) 2026 has been postponed. Originally scheduled for April 24–26, 2026, the three-day event will now take place on September 11–13, 2026, at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.
Organisers said on social media that the decision was made to ensure the best possible fan experience and line-up of celebrities.
“The September dates have been carefully selected to ensure the best possible experience with an exciting line-up of celebrity guests, comic creators and exhibitors for MEFCC’s vibrant community of fans while providing additional flexibility for all participants,” the statement read.
“Stay tuned for more updates on tickets, attractions, new talent announcements, performances and competitions.”
MEFCC said contingency plans are in place for ticket holders to make sure fans don’t lose out.
All tickets purchased for the April dates remain valid for the new September dates. There is no need to rebook or swap them.
For those unable to attend on the new dates, refunds can be requested through the official ticketing partners.
Attendees who booked through the official hotel partner, HotelMaps, can receive assistance with adjusting or managing their reservations.
Launched in 2012, MEFCC is the region’s largest annual pop culture festival, celebrating movies, TV shows, comics, gaming, anime and cosplay.
Supported by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the event has grown into a flagship event for fans to meet celebrity guests, explore local and international art, and participate in competitive gaming and cosplay.
For the 2026 edition, guests such as Christopher Judge (Kratos in God of War) and comic artist Alan Quah have been confirmed.
Key attractions at MEFCC include:
Meet the Stars: A signature experience where fans can get autographs and photographs with international A-list actors and voice artists.
Artist Alley: A platform for local and regional creators to showcase and sell original artwork, commissions, and unique crafts.
Gaming Arena: Hosted in partnership with Abu Dhabi Gaming, this zone features esports tournaments, retro games, and the latest demos across PC, console and mobile platforms.
Cosplay Central: A dedicated area for the cosplay community, culminating in a high-stakes competition where winners can represent the UAE internationally.
Festival Plaza: An outdoor area featuring live music, performances, family activities and a variety of food trucks.
Otaku District: A specialised zone focusing on modern Asian pop culture, including anime-related performances and music.
