Dust off your capes and start perfecting your “Boy!” impression—the Middle East Film and Comic Con (MEFCC) is officially returning to the capital. For those of us who live for the thrill of the Artist Alley or the chance to lock eyes with a Hollywood legend, the wait is almost over.
The 14th edition of the Middle East Film and Comic Con 2026 is set to take over the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from April 24 to 26. Following a massive 2025 edition that saw over 46,000 fans flood the halls, this year’s festival is already promising to be bigger, louder, and way more “super” than ever before. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer, a manga enthusiast, or just someone who loves the electric vibe of a massive community gathering, this is the one event you can’t afford to miss.
Meet the First Star: Christopher Judge is Coming to Town
The organizers haven’t wasted any time in dropping the first major bombshell. The first celebrity guest confirmed for MEFCC 2026 is none other than Christopher Judge.
Gaming fans will immediately recognize his booming, gravelly voice as Kratos from the God of War series—a role that earned him a BAFTA and solidified him as a legend in the industry. But his resume doesn’t stop at the Nine Realms. Judge has also lent his voice to Black Panther in Marvel’s Avengers, Magneto in X-Men: Evolution, and spent a decade as Teal’c in the sci-fi cult classic Stargate SG-1.
If last year’s star-studded guest list—which featured Andrew Garfield and Charlie Cox—is any indication, Judge is just the tip of the iceberg. We’re expecting a steady stream of announcements over the coming weeks as the “Hall of Fame” fills up with more icons from the big and small screens.
More Than Just Celebs: Artists and Creators
While the big names draw the crowds, the heart of Comic Con has always been the creators. This year, the festival has already confirmed the attendance of Alan Quah. With a portfolio that spans over 400 comic covers—including heavy hitters like Wolverine, Star Wars, and Green Lantern—Quah is a titan in the world of illustration.
For the local creative community, this is a prime opportunity to see the local news of the art world in action. The Artist Alley remains the soul of the event, where you can pick up unique prints, commissioned sketches, and meet the people who actually put pen to paper for your favorite franchises.
Are You the Next Cosplay Champion?
It wouldn’t be Comic Con without the sea of Spidermans, Gokus, and obscure indie game characters. Registrations for the Cosplay Competition are officially open. This isn’t just about looking cool; it’s a high-stakes competition where craftsmanship and performance are put to the ultimate test.
The stakes? The overall winner gets the incredible honor of representing the UAE at the World Cosplay Summit finals in Nagoya, Japan. It’s a dream come true for any dedicated cosplayer and a testament to how the UAE’s “geek culture” has grown on a global scale.
If you’re more of a behind-the-lens person, the Short Film Competition is also back. This year’s theme is “Dreams,” and filmmakers across the region have until February 6 to submit their work. It’s a fantastic platform for aspiring directors to get their work seen by an audience that truly appreciates storytelling.
Ticket Details: How to Get Yours
If you’re planning your trip from Dubai or flying in for the weekend, you’ll want to move fast. Super Early Bird tickets have already vanished, but standard and VIP options are now live on Platinumlist.
| Ticket Type | Price | Key Perks |
| Standard 1-Day (Fri/Sun) | Dh160 | Single-day entry, access to all main stages |
| Standard 1-Day (Sat) | Dh190 | Single day entry, access to all main stages |
| 3-Day Pass | Dh390 | Full weekend access (Best value for superfans) |
| VIP Pass | Dh1,300 | Swag bag, meet-the-star vouchers, fast-track entry |
For those looking to go all out, the Super VIP (Dh2,730) and Ultimate VIP (Dh5,880) packages offer the ultimate experience, though they tend to sell out faster than a speeding bullet.
Abu Dhabi is the Place to Be This April
Since moving to Abu Dhabi in 2022, MEFCC has found a massive home at ADNEC. The venue provides the perfect space for the Gaming Arena, the Festival Plaza, and the various “zones” dedicated to everything from tabletop gaming to Japanese culture.
It’s not just about the event itself; it’s about the community. You’ll see families, groups of friends from Dubai, and international visitors all coming together. It’s one of the few places where you can discuss the lore of Star Wars with a stranger while waiting in line for a food and lifestyle pop-up.
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