MEFCC 2025: A supercharged weekend of pop culture, cosplay, and star power in Abu Dhabi

Khaleej Times

17-04-2025

It's that time of year again—when superheroes, stormtroopers, anime icons, and passionate fans descend on the UAE capital in full force. The Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC) is back for its 13th edition, and it's bigger, bolder, and more star-studded than ever. Taking place from April 18–20 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), this annual celebration of all things pop culture is ready to thrill families, friends, and fandoms alike with three days of nonstop excitement.
"After welcoming our biggest turnout ever in 2024, we are excited to raise the bar for the thirteenth edition of MEFCC," said Loy Pinheiro, Show Director at MEFCC. "With great power comes great planning – and the process of selecting the right talent, curating content and launching unique activations begins months beforehand. You don't have to know every superhero's origin story, or enjoy translating Japanese manga, to love Comic Con. The very best of MEFCC lies in its diversity, in celebrating the complexity of the human existence. We want everyone to feel right at home, and free to be their authentic selves, over one epic weekend."
From Hollywood legends to gaming gauntlets, cosplay competitions to authentic anime experiences, MEFCC 2025 is set to be an unmissable experience for every type of geek, gamer, and pop culture enthusiast.
Leading this year's charge is none other than Andrew Garfield—your friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man himself. The Oscar-nominated actor headlines MEFCC's most impressive celebrity lineup yet, joined by fellow stars Charlie Cox and Vincent D'Onofrio from Daredevil, Grant Gustin (The Flash), Ian McDiarmid (a.k.a. Emperor Palpatine from Star Wars), Natalia Dyer from Stranger Things, Emily Rudd (One Piece), and Colleen O'Shaughnessy, the beloved voice of Tails in Sonic the Hedgehog.
Fans can catch their idols in live panels at the Main Stage, or opt for once-in-a-lifetime autograph and photo ops for unforgettable keepsakes.
Suit Up: Cosplay showdown returns
What's Comic Con without cosplay? MEFCC 2025 invites fans to step into the shoes of their favourite characters, whether it's Deadpool, Sailor Moon, or an original creation. This year, the Cosplay Showdown gets an upgrade with professional cosplayer meet-and-greets, a dedicated cosplay community hub, an on-site costume shop, and the ever-popular Cosplay Competition at Festival Plaza.
Expect jaw-dropping craftsmanship, infectious energy, and a whole lot of spandex.
Art, artists, and alley adventures
Take a stroll through Artist Alley, where local and regional artists showcase their handmade goods—from custom illustrations and quirky stickers to collectibles you won't find anywhere else. It's not just a market; it's a vibrant celebration of creativity that captures the spirit of MEFCC.
Festival Plaza Frenzy: A pop culture playground
The Festival Plaza is the social heart of MEFCC—bursting with life, music, and dance. Families can kick back with food truck delights while enjoying live shows, dance battles, and interactive games. Musical acts like ASH DA HERO, Celinedee Matahari, and Reem AlTinai will bring the house down, while Tidal and Lunar Idols take center stage with high-energy performances. Don't miss the Just Dance 2025 showdown, where a Nintendo Switch is up for grabs!
Anime Extravaganza: A taste of Japan in the UAE
For the first time ever, five legendary Japanese voice actors (seiyuu) will grace MEFCC, including:
Daiki Yamashita (My Hero Academia)
Hideo Ishikawa (Naruto)
Kotono Mitsuishi (Sailor Moon, Evangelion)
Kentaro Ito (Bleach)
Tetsuya Kakihara (Fairy Tail)
Fans can meet their anime idols, snap photos, and dive into an authentic Japanese cultural zone with kimono try-ons, shogi, calligraphy, origami, and a serene Japanese Tea Ceremony.
Gaming gauntlet, family zone, and more!
Gamers, rejoice! The Gaming Arena is a paradise of indie releases, tournaments, tech showcases, and cash-prize challenges. Whether you're a casual controller warrior or a competitive legend, there's something for every playstyle.
MEFCC is a family affair, and the Kids Zone is packed with entertainment—from inflatable rides and face painting to canvas art and board games. Head over to the Tabletop Zone where Back to Games and Superheated Neurons invite you to a free-for-all of strategy, laughter, and bonding over card games.
The Bookworm Lounge is where readers, writers, and creators gather. Swap books, discover indie gems, or attend community panels about storytelling in all forms. On Day One, eight short films from up-and-coming Middle Eastern filmmakers will be screened on the Main Stage, with winners taking home prizes and bragging rights.
For serious collectors, this is the spot. MEFCC's exhibitor space is bursting with exclusive merch, rare finds, and autograph-worthy memorabilia. For serious collectors, CGC x JSA will be onsite to authenticate signed items, so you can certify your collection's value on the spot.
Whether you're going for the celebrities, the cosplay, the gaming, or just to soak in the creative chaos, MEFCC 2025 is shaping up to be the biggest pop culture bash the region has ever seen.