Anime fans, mark your calendars. After much anticipation, Animenia Abu Dhabi is officially returning this February with its most exciting edition yet. Running from 11 to 15 February 2026, the region’s biggest anime festival will take over Manarat Al Saadiyat. Transforming it into a fully immersive anime universe for five action-packed days. Presented by BRAG, in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Animenia 2026 promises larger worlds, deeper storytelling, and unforgettable fan experiences. And it’s all inspired by some of Japan’s most iconic anime series. I have all the incredible details you need to know, so keep reading to find out more.
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A Full-Scale Celebration Of Anime Culture
Animenia Abu Dhabi is all set to be a complete anime experience. Designed to fully immerse visitors, the event brings together storytelling, interactive design, live performances, screenings, gaming, shopping, and food, all under one roof. Fans can explore anime-inspired environments, take part in hands-on challenges, discover rare collectibles. Not to mention, enjoy Japan-only merchandise that’s hard to find anywhere else. From curated retail spaces to authentic Japanese street food flavours, every detail is crafted to celebrate the creativity and global influence of anime culture.
Four Iconic Anime Worlds Take Centre Stage
At the heart of Animenia Abu Dhabi 2026 are four major anime worlds, each recreated as a large-scale, interactive experience. These worlds allow fans to step directly into their favourite stories, explore themed rooms, and take on challenges inspired by the characters and scenes they love.
1. BLEACH: Step Into The World Of Soul Reapers
One of the most influential anime franchises of all time, BLEACH arrives at Animenia with an immersive journey into the world of Ichigo Kurosaki.
The experience begins with a striking intro space, setting the tone before leading guests through a cinematic walkthrough. Fans will move through themed interactive zones, face a fun obstacle challenge inspired by the Shin-o Academy, and finish their journey at an exclusive BLEACH merchandise area.
2. DAN DA DAN: Supernatural Chaos Unleashed
Fast, unpredictable, and packed with energy, DAN DA DAN blends aliens, urban legends, teenage humour, and supernatural battles into one thrilling experience.
At Animenia, guests enter through a mysterious shrine where reality quickly twists into the bizarre. The journey continues through a story-driven walkthrough and high-energy interactive zones filled with movement and surprises. The experience builds into a horror-style courtyard featuring a haunted school, live scenes, and a dedicated DAN DA DAN merch space.
3. SPY x FAMILY: Action, Heart & Family Fun
Beloved for its mix of espionage, comedy, and warmth, SPY x FAMILY brings a playful and family-friendly world to Animenia Abu Dhabi.
Fans begin their mission in an intro room and gallery before exploring interactive sets inspired by the Forger family’s world. The experience includes a multi-room escape game, hands-on challenges, photo moments, live activities, and exclusive merchandise. All designed to be accessible, fun, and full of charm.
4. GINTAMA: Comedy, Chaos & Classic Moments
Known for its sharp humour and genre-bending storytelling, GINTAMA takes over Animenia with a world inspired by its iconic Kabuki District setting.
The experience opens with an intro room and gallery showcasing the anime’s most memorable arcs. Guests then dive into absurd challenges, a featured door maze, interactive rooms, and fast-paced reflex games, all wrapped in GINTAMA’s signature comedy. The journey ends with exclusive merchandise celebrating the fan-favourite series.
More Than Anime Worlds
Beyond the four main experiences, Animenia Abu Dhabi offers even more ways to explore, play, and connect.
Visitors can spend time in creative workshops to read, sketch, and take part in artist-led sessions, while meet-and-greets with globally recognised anime and cosplay icons will be announced soon. Live performances and on-stage entertainment will run throughout all five days, keeping the energy high from start to finish.
The Cosplay Competition Everyone’s Talking About
One of Animenia’s biggest highlights returns with even more excitement. The Animenia Abu Dhabi Cosplay Competition, featuring a massive AED 400,000 prize pool.
Cosplayers will compete in front of a world-class judging panel led by legendary professional cosplayer Cinderys, Southeast Asian pop culture icon Myrtle, renowned costume creators Piece of Cake Cosplay, and World Cosplay Summit Grand Champions Mio & Mayo. Known for pushing creative boundaries, this competition promises one of the region’s most visually impressive cosplay showcases.
The highly anticipated reveal of the winner will take place live on Sunday, February 15, starting at 6pm.
Games, Food, Shopping & Exclusive Collectibles
Fans can also explore quiz zones, gaming areas, and a lively Konbini-style Japanese supermarket offering authentic snacks, drinks, and a DIY instant noodle station. Official Animenia Abu Dhabi 2026 merchandise will also launch at the festival, featuring collectible designs and exclusive pieces.
Meet & Greet Schedule – Plan Your Star-Studded Moments
One of the most exciting parts of Animenia Abu Dhabi? Getting to meet the voices and creators behind some of your favourite characters. The official meet & greet schedule is here, so you can plan your day and make sure you don’t miss your must-see guest.
Here’s the full line-up:
Friday, 13 February
- 7:00 PM – Mariya Ise
- 8:30 PM – Noriko Hidaka
- 9:15 PM – Kazuki Yao
Saturday, 14 February
- 3:30 PM – Fairouz Ai
- 4:30 PM – Noriko Hidaka
- 5:30 PM – Kensho Ono
- 6:45 PM – Yuki Kaji
- 7:45 PM – Fairouz Ai
- 9:00 PM – Shoji Kawamori
Sunday, 15 February
- 3:30 PM – Kensho Ono
- 4:30 PM – Yuki Kaji
- 6:00 PM – Shoji Kawamori
- 7:00 PM – Kazuki Yao
With appearances spread across all five days, fans have plenty of chances to catch their favourites live. Whether you’re hoping for a photo, an autograph, or just the chance to see them up close, make sure to arrive early and plan your schedule in advance.
Everything You Need to Know
Ready to lock it into your calendar? Animenia Abu Dhabi runs from 11-15 February, delivering 5 days of anime-packed fun. The festival takes place at Manarat Al Saadiyat, one of Abu Dhabi’s leading cultural destinations. Day passes and festival passes are now available via Ticketmaster UAE and Platinumlist, with more ticket categories to be released soon.
For full festival details and updates, visit animeniaabudhabi.com and follow @animeniaabudhabi on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
