Abu Dhabi just hit the jackpot for pop culture fans. The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Informa have extended their partnership, officially keeping the Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC) in the capital until 2027. Yep, two more years of cosplay, comics, gaming, and celeb sightings. The announcement dropped during Arabian Travel Market 2025, and it’s already sending shockwaves through fan communities.
MEFCC Secures Abu Dhabi Stage Until 2027, Geek Out, The Capital’s Keeping It!
Let’s face it, since shifting to Abu Dhabi in 2022, MEFCC has blown up. MEFCC was once just an event for die-hard fans to gather around. But lately, MEFCC has taken their game a notch higher and transformed into the Middle East’s ultimate pop culture playground. From being just a comic book crowd, it has now turned into an exclusive mega-event. Abu Dhabi expects 38,000 excited visitors and a record entry of over 400 top international brands. MEFCC is all about big names, big vibes, and bigger crowds. It’s become the place where pop culture takes centre stage. Not to mention a celeb line-up that had us gasping louder than a plot twist in Stranger Things—Andrew Garfield, Charlie Cox, Natalia Dyer, Hideo Ishikawa, and Emily Rudd were all spotted mingling with fans.
The Gaming Arena, powered by Abu Dhabi Gaming, was a whole experience in itself. Console warriors, PC pros, and mobile game addicts all got a slice of the action. Lucky fans even got to test out unreleased games. Yes, before the rest of the world.
It’s More Than Just Costumes And Cameos
MEFCC isn’t just about fangirling over celebrities (though we’re not complaining). It’s a sprawling celebration of everything pop culture. Expect it all, from anime and gaming to TV, movies, and beyond. Over the years, they’ve brought in A-listers like David Harbour (Stranger Things), Hayden Christensen (Star Wars), Matt Smith (House of the Dragon), and Iñaki Godoy (One Piece), as well as voice icons from Transformers, Dragon Ball Z, and The Last of Us.
There’s also the much-loved Artist Alley, the intense Gaming Zone with tournaments (FIFA, Fortnite, Rocket League), and new attractions like the Japanese Village and Collectors Gallery. It’s heaven for hobbyists, creatives, and fans who know their Goku from their Gojo.
A Win for Abu Dhabi Tourism
This isn’t just fan service, it’s a smart strategy. With the MEFCC deal locked in with Abu Dhabi, their ultimate goal is to welcome over 50,000 fans at future editions of the event. So, if you’re into superheroes or comics, start planning your trip before it’s too late! Abu Dhabi’s pop culture playground just got a major upgrade.
Cover Image Courtesy: MEFCC/Website