Middle East Film & Comic Con returns to Abu Dhabi from September 11 to 13, bringing John Cena, Simu Liu, Mackenyu and more to ADNEC for three days of pop culture.
Abu Dhabi is getting ready for a major weekend of pop culture as Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC) returns to the capital from September 11 to 13.
The three-day event will take over ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, bringing together Hollywood stars, anime fans, gamers, comic lovers, cosplayers, artists and collectors from across the region.
This year’s convention is taking place later than originally planned. MEFCC was initially scheduled for April 24 to 26 before being postponed because of the regional conflict. Tickets purchased for the original dates were carried over to the September event.
With the convention now approaching, here is what visitors need to know.
When is MEFCC 2026?
MEFCC opens on Friday, September 11, from 3pm until 11pm. On Saturday and Sunday, visitors get a longer day, with doors opening at 12pm and closing at 11pm.
All three days will be held at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.
How much are tickets?
Standard admission costs Dh160 on Friday, Dh190 on Saturday and Dh160 on Sunday. Fans who want to attend the entire weekend can buy a three-day pass for Dh390.
VIP tickets have already sold out, while standard tickets remain available.
Children aged six and under enter free, while tickets for children aged seven to 11 cost Dh50 at the venue.
Students can also get discounted admission. School students can buy a one-day ticket for Dh80, while university students pay Dh100, subject to registration and valid student identification.
People of Determination can enter free with one chaperone by presenting a valid POD card at the ticketing desk.
There is also a limited buy-three-get-one-free offer on eligible tickets, which could be useful for families and groups attending together.
John Cena leads the celebrity lineup
For many visitors, John Cena will be one of the biggest attractions.
The WWE star turned Hollywood actor is heading to MEFCC after building a screen career that includes Peacemaker, The Suicide Squad and the Fast & Furious franchise.
Marvel fans have another familiar face to look forward to. Simu Liu, best known as Shang-Chi in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and for his role as Ken in Barbie, is also joining the convention.
Netflix’s live-action One Piece is particularly well represented.
Mackenyu, who plays Roronoa Zoro, will appear alongside Jacob Romero, who plays Usopp. Charithra Chandran, known for playing Edwina Sharma in Bridgerton and set to appear as Nefertari Vivi in One Piece, is also among the guests.
The wider lineup includes Pom Klementieff, known for playing Mantis in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Joonas Suotamo, who portrayed Chewbacca in several Star Wars films.
Arden Cho, the voice of Rumi in KPop Demon Hunters and known to Teen Wolf fans, is also attending.
Fans interested in a particular celebrity should check the appearance schedule before choosing a single-day ticket, as not every guest may be available throughout the weekend.
Celebrity photos and autographs cost extra
A standard ticket gives visitors access to the Meet the Stars area, but celebrity photographs and autographs are not included in general admission.
Separate vouchers are required and can be purchased at the event, with prices and availability depending on the guest.
Anyone attending specifically to meet a favourite star should keep that additional cost in mind.
Gaming, anime, comics and cosplay
There is plenty happening away from the celebrity appearances.
Artist Alley gives independent artists and creators a place to showcase their work, while collectors can explore the Collectors Gallery.
Anime and Asian pop-culture fans can head to the Otaku District, while gamers have their own dedicated Gaming Arena. Trading-card and tabletop activities will also run throughout the weekend.
Cosplay remains one of MEFCC’s most recognisable attractions. Fans will arrive dressed as characters from anime, comics, movies, television and video games, while the Cosplay Competition gives some of the region’s most creative participants a chance to take the stage.
Visitors can also expect panels, live entertainment, food and other activities across the convention.
Getting to MEFCC
Visitors driving to ADNEC can use parking facilities around the venue, with MEFCC attendees able to access a discounted Dh40 flat parking rate per day.
Free shuttle buses are also planned from Dubai and Sharjah for valid ticket holders, although registration closes on September 2 or once all available seats are taken.
With John Cena, Simu Liu, Mackenyu and stars from Marvel, One Piece, Star Wars and Bridgerton on the guest list, MEFCC 2026 is shaping up to give Abu Dhabi another packed weekend of fandom, entertainment and pop culture.