ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Jan 21, 2026 (GMD) – The Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC) announced on Wednesday it will return to Abu Dhabi from April 24-26, 2026, with “God of War” voice actor Christopher Judge as its first celebrity guest.
The pop culture festival, organized in partnership with the Department of Culture & Tourism – Abu Dhabi, is building on a record-breaking 2025 edition that drew over 46,000 visitors. Organizers aim to solidify the event’s role as the region’s premier hub for celebrating film, television, gaming, anime, and comic fandom.
Standard and VIP tickets for the three-day event at the ADNEC Centre went on sale Wednesday. Early Bird ticket allocations sold out quickly, reflecting high anticipation. VIP tiers offer exclusive benefits, including meet-and-greet vouchers and fast-track entry.
Concurrent with the ticket launch, organizers opened registrations for the event’s marquee Cosplay Competition. Judged on costume craftsmanship and performance, the winner will earn the right to represent the UAE at the World Cosplay Summit finals in Nagoya, Japan. A preparatory workshop for aspiring participants is scheduled for January 31 in Dubai.
The festival also announced its annual Short Film Competition, inviting filmmakers across the Middle East to submit original works on the theme of ‘Dreams’ by February 6.
Alongside Judge, confirmed guests include Malaysian comic artist Alan Quah, known for his work on Marvel and DC titles. More celebrity and artist announcements are promised in the coming weeks, following last year’s lineup which featured stars like Andrew Garfield.
