John Cena will attend Middle East Film and Comic Con (MEFCC) 2026 in Abu Dhabi, organisers have confirmed. The WWE legend and Hollywood actor will appear at the three-day pop culture convention at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from September 11 to 13.
His appearance adds another major international name to this year’s line-up, which already includes Japanese actor Mackenyu, known for playing Roronoa Zoro in Netflix’s One Piece. The event is also expanding its focus on anime, gaming, cosplay, trading cards, independent creators and short films.
- Location: ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi
- Organisation: Middle East Film and Comic Con
- Dates: September 11–13, 2026
- Celebrity guests: John Cena, Mackenyu and others
- Tickets: From Dh160
- Cosplay prize pool: Dh60,000
- What’s next: Three days of celebrity appearances, cosplay, gaming, anime, comics and competitions
John Cena is coming to Abu Dhabi for Middle East Film and Comic Con 2026, giving fans in the UAE a chance to see one of professional wrestling’s biggest names at the region’s major pop culture convention.
The announcement was reported on August 11, with MEFCC confirming Cena as its latest celebrity guest for the September event at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.
Cena joins Mackenyu, who plays Roronoa Zoro in Netflix’s live-action One Piece. His addition is expected to attract wrestling, film and entertainment fans, while the wider convention continues to broaden its appeal beyond traditional comic-book fandom.
When and where is John Cena appearing at MEFCC?
MEFCC 2026 will take place at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from September 11 to 13.
According to the event organisers, Friday will run from 3 pm to 11 pm, while Saturday and Sunday will operate from noon to 11 pm.
The convention is returning after its original April dates were postponed because of the regional situation. Organisers say the additional time allowed them to refine the programme and add more recent content and guest appearances.
Tickets start from Dh160, while a three-day pass is listed at Dh390. VIP tickets have already sold out, according to the official MEFCC ticket information.
What can visitors expect beyond John Cena?
Cena may be the headline attraction for many visitors, but MEFCC has developed into a much broader pop culture event.
The convention features dedicated areas covering anime, manga, gaming, trading cards, books, collecting and independent art.
The Otaku District focuses on Japanese and Asian pop culture. Visitors can expect cosplay activities, karaoke, quizzes, live performances and K-pop-related entertainment.
The TCG Arena will also bring competitive trading card gaming to the event, with tournaments covering titles such as Pokémon, One Piece Card Game and Magic: The Gathering.
For collectors, the Collector’s Gallery offers another area to explore, while the Bookworm Lounge gives the literary side of fandom a place within the convention.
Why is cosplay becoming a bigger part of MEFCC?
Cosplay has become one of the most visible communities at MEFCC, and the 2026 edition is placing even more attention on it.
The official cosplay competition has a Dh60,000 prize pool, with UAE qualifiers offering participants a route towards the 2027 World Cosplay Summit finals in Nagoya, Japan.
That makes the competition more than a stage attraction. It also allows UAE-based cosplayers to compete internationally and showcase their work to a large regional audience.
The growth of cosplay reflects a wider change in how people engage with pop culture. Fans are no longer only watching films, reading comics or playing games. Many now create costumes, artwork, videos and other forms of fan-driven content.
How is MEFCC supporting UAE creators?
MEFCC is also giving greater space to independent artists and filmmakers.
Its Artist Alley allows creators to sell original artwork, comics and merchandise directly to visitors. This creates a direct connection between independent artists and their audiences.
The convention’s Short Film Competition is another UAE-focused initiative. The 2026 competition carries the theme “Dreams” and is open to UAE residents and nationals. Shortlisted films are scheduled to be screened during the convention.
According to information shared by MEFCC, submissions increased from 60 films in the competition’s inaugural edition to 83 this year, showing growing interest in local filmmaking.
This side of the convention is particularly relevant to the UAE’s wider creative economy, as emerging artists and filmmakers get a platform alongside major international entertainment brands.
What does MEFCC mean for Abu Dhabi?
MEFCC’s continued presence supports Abu Dhabi’s ambitions to strengthen its position as a destination for entertainment, culture and creative industries.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Informa have extended their partnership to host MEFCC in Abu Dhabi through 2027.
The convention has also grown significantly in recent years. MEFCC says it welcomed more than 46,000 visitors in 2025, representing a 24 per cent increase from 2022.
For Abu Dhabi, large-scale events such as MEFCC can bring together residents, tourists, creators and international entertainment communities in one venue. The September timing also gives visitors another major event to add to their UAE calendar after the summer period.
For UAE residents, John Cena’s appearance is only one part of a much larger event.
- Wrestling and Hollywood fans get a chance to see a globally recognised entertainer.
- Anime fans can explore a dedicated Otaku District and meet stars such as Mackenyu.
- Gamers and collectors can take part in tournaments and explore specialist areas.
- Cosplayers have a Dh60,000 competition pool and an international pathway.
- UAE creators can showcase artwork, comics and films to a large audience.
- Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its position as a regional destination for pop culture and creative events.
FAQs
When is Middle East Film and Comic Con 2026?
MEFCC 2026 will take place from September 11 to 13, 2026.
Where will MEFCC 2026 be held?
The convention will take place at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.
Will John Cena attend MEFCC Abu Dhabi?
Yes. John Cena has been confirmed as a celebrity guest for the 2026 edition.
Who else is attending MEFCC 2026?
Japanese actor Mackenyu, who plays Roronoa Zoro in Netflix’s One Piece, is among the other confirmed celebrity guests.
How much are MEFCC tickets?
Tickets start from Dh160, according to the official event information. A three-day pass is listed at Dh390.
A major September event for UAE pop culture fans
John Cena’s addition gives MEFCC 2026 another major international attraction, but the Abu Dhabi convention is now much bigger than celebrity appearances alone.
With anime, gaming, cosplay, independent creators, short films and collecting all forming part of the programme, the September event reflects how quickly pop culture communities have grown across the UAE and the wider region.
For fans planning their September calendar, MEFCC 2026 is shaping up to be one of Abu Dhabi’s major entertainment gatherings.
Follow Social Kandura for more updates on local news and things to do in Dubai and across the UAE.
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