Animenia Abu Dhabi 2026: Dates, Anime Worlds, And Dh400,000 Cosplay Competition Revealed

Animenia Abu Dhabi 2026 is set to make a spectacular return, promising the largest and most immersive anime festival the UAE has ever seen. Presented by BRAG, in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the five-day event runs from 11 to 15 February 2026 at Manarat Al Saadiyat.

Designed as a fully immersive experience, Animenia Abu Dhabi blends anime storytelling, interactive design, live performances, gaming, food, retail, and workshops into one action-packed celebration. Fans can explore anime-inspired environments, enjoy screenings and live programming, discover rare Japan-only collectibles, and indulge in authentic Japanese street food, all under one roof.

At the core of Animenia Abu Dhabi 2026 are four iconic anime franchises brought to life through large-scale interactive worlds: BLEACH, SPY x FAMILY, DAN DA DAN, and GINTAMA.

• BLEACH immerses fans in the world of Soul Reapers, featuring cinematic walkthroughs, interactive zones inspired by Shin-o Academy, obstacle challenges, and exclusive merchandise.

• DAN DA DAN delivers one of the festival's most intense experiences, blending supernatural horror, humour, and high-energy interactive zones with live scenes and a horror-style courtyard.

• SPY x FAMILY offers a family-friendly, mission-based experience with escape-room-style challenges, interactive sets from the Forger household, and playful photo moments.

• GINTAMA brings its signature chaos and comedy to life through absurd challenges, a door maze, reflex-based games, and a Kabuki District-inspired layout.

Each world places fans directly inside the anime, creating cinematic, photo-ready moments pulled straight from the screen.

One of the festival's biggest highlights is the Animenia Abu Dhabi Cosplay Competition, featuring a record-breaking Dh400,000 prize pool. The competition will be judged by an elite international panel, including Cinderys, Myrtle, Piece of Cake Cosplay, and World Cosplay Summit champions Mio & Mayo, making it one of the region's most competitive cosplay showcases.

Beyond cosplay, the festival includes gaming zones, quiz areas, artist workshops, meet-and-greets, live stage performances, and a Konbini-style Japanese supermarket complete with authentic snacks, drinks, and a DIY instant noodle station. Official Animenia Abu Dhabi 2026 merchandise and exclusive collectibles will also debut at the event.

When: 11 to 15 February 2026
Where: Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi

Day passes and festival passes are now on sale via Ticketmaster and Platinumlist, with additional ticket categories to be announced.

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