Animenia Abu Dhabi 2026 will return to Manarat Al Saadiyat from February 11 to 15, bringing a five-day programme focused on anime, gaming, cosplay, music, retail and workshops.
The festival is presented by BRAG in partnership and collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).
The event will feature live talks open to all ticket holders, alongside ticketed meet-and-greet sessions with Japanese voice actors and creators.
Animenia Abu Dhabi announces anime guests, cosplay competition and ticket prices
Confirmed guests include Kazuki Yao, known for voicing Franky and Bon Clay in One Piece, and Daisuke Hirakawa, who voiced Enmu in Demon Slayer and Noriaki Kakyoin in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders.
Yuki Kaji, the voice of Eren Yeager in Attack on Titan, and Noriko Hidaka, who voiced Sera Masumi in Detective Conan and Shalnark in Hunter x Hunter (2011), will also attend.
Additional appearances include Tetsuya Kakihara, known for Natsu Dragneel in Fairy Tail, and Kenn, the voice of David Martinez in Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.
The guest lineup also features Shoji Kawamori, creator of the Macross franchise, Mariya Ise, who voiced Killua in Hunter x Hunter, Fairouz Ai, known for roles in Chainsaw Man and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean, and Kensho Ono, whose roles include Giorno Giovanna in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind and Diluc in Genshin Impact.
Four anime worlds form the centre of the festival
Animenia Abu Dhabi 2026 will feature four themed anime worlds based on BLEACH, SPY x FAMILY, DAN DA DAN, and GINTAMA.
The BLEACH world will include an introduction space, themed zones, and an obstacle-style challenge inspired by the Shin-o Academy.
The DAN DA DAN world will begin with a shrine setting and include challenges and a horror house with live scenes.
The SPY x FAMILY world will feature interactive sets and photo moments inspired by the Forger family.
The GINTAMA world will recreate the Kabuki District with challenges and a door maze.
Each world will include games, walkthroughs, merchandise and photo opportunities.
Cosplay competition announces AED400,000 prize pool
The Cosplay Competition will take place on February 15, with solo and group categories and a total prize pool of AED400,000.
Judges include professional cosplayer and concept artist Cinderys, Cosplay Hall of Famer Myrtle, and costume creators Piece of Cake Cosplay.
World Cosplay Summit Grand Champions Mio & Mayo and cosplayer Har_Fie will also serve on the judging panel.
The Abu Dhabi Anime Club will host an interactive cosplay catwalk from 11 to 14 February. Cosplayers will also have access to talks and meet-and-greet sessions with judges.
Animenia Abu Dhabi 2026 confirms anime worlds, workshops and afterparties
Workshops will be led by cosplayers including Weiren.cos, MioMayo, M7Cosplay, Alexcancosplay, Mossy_Cosplays and Cosmo_Cosplays. Topics include cosplay basics, storytelling, armour crafting, prosthetics, sewing, makeup and wig styling.
Japan in Arabia will host Pokémon trading card game workshops for beginners. Illustration workshops will be led by Halffrozeart, while the Manga Studio will provide access to manga titles.
Gaming experiences will run throughout the festival.
Japanese singer and songwriter Daisuke Hasegawa will perform on February 11, with music from Gundam: G no Reconguista and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.
Tokyo-based band Catch Me Yesterday will perform daily within the anime worlds and on the main stage on February 12. Ian Anime Violin and Enishi will perform daily across the anime worlds.
Drone shows will take place each evening from February 12 to 15 in the garden area. Afterparties featuring Dubtendo All Stars Session will be held on Friday and Saturday nights.
Cup Bop among food vendors announced for Animenia 2026
Food vendors will include CA Japanese Pancakes, Cha Cha Koubou, Keki, Oiichi Mochi, Jiggly Wiggly, Sweet Ride, Popkone, J lato, Yume Ramen, Goldfish Yakitori, HottoDoggu, Jimoto, One Fifteen, Btwn, Meokja and Cup Bop.
The Animenia Konbini will offer Japanese snacks, drinks, merchandise and a DIY instant noodle station.
Artist Alley will feature independent artists and collectibles.
Animate will make its UAE debut at the festival. Tsume Art will present premium collectibles, while FuRyu will display figure showcases.
TOHO animation will feature content from Frieren and The Apothecary Diaries, previews of Snowball Earth and Though I Am an Inept Villainess, and manga giveaways.
Ticket prices, passes and discounts explained
Weekday passes are priced at AED 95, increasing to AED 125 from 11 February. Weekend passes cost AED 145, increasing to AED 175. A Friends & Family (4+1) offer is available at AED 380 on weekdays and AED 580 on weekends, rising to AED 500 and AED 700.
The five-day festival pass costs AED 495. After Party Tickets are priced at AED 240, increasing to AED 270, and include festival access and an exclusive Topps trading card.
The Super VIP pass costs AED 2,995 and includes five-day access, meet-and-greets, afterparties, parking, merchandise and a limited-edition Topps trading card.
Meet & Greet tickets are priced at AED 295 on weekdays and AED 345 on weekends and are available as add-ons. Emirates NBD debit and credit card holders receive a 10 per cent discount on Platinumlist and Ticketmaster.
