Animenia Abu Dhabi 2026 brings BLEACH and SPY x FAMILY to Manarat Al Saadiyat

If you have been waiting for a major anime festival in Abu Dhabi, mark your calendars for February. Animenia Abu Dhabi is returning for a five-day run at Manarat Al Saadiyat, bringing some of Japan's biggest franchises to life.

According to a press release from BRAG, the festival will take over the venue from 11 to 15 February 2026. This year's edition focuses heavily on immersive experiences, letting fans step directly into the worlds of BLEACH, SPY x FAMILY, DAN DA DAN, and GINTAMA, solidifying its status as a leading anime event in the UAE. It's a busy time for culture in the UAE, with events like the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival also drawing crowds, but Animenia is squarely targeting the region's pop culture enthusiasts.

What to expect at Animenia Abu Dhabi 2026

The main draw this year is the setup of four distinct "anime worlds". Rather than just standard booths, these are interactive zones designed to replicate iconic scenes. The BLEACH zone features a cinematic walkthrough and an obstacle challenge inspired by the Shin-o Academy. For fans of SPY x FAMILY, there is a multi-room escape game and sets inspired by the Forger family's home—a setup that sounds genuinely fun for families.

DAN DA DAN gets a supernatural shrine entrance leading into a horror-style courtyard, while the GINTAMA experience recreates the Kabuki District with a maze and reflex-based games. Beyond the big names, there is a gaming zone—something we see gaining traction locally with recent gaming collaborations—plus a "Konbini" style Japanese supermarket for authentic snacks.

Cosplay is also a massive part of the event. The Animenia Abu Dhabi Cosplay Competition returns, boasting what organisers claim is the largest cosplay competition prize pool in the UAE and the world, Dhs 400,000. Judges include international pros like Cinderys and Myrtle, alongside World Cosplay Summit Grand Champions Mio & Mayo.

Dates and times

The festival runs from Wednesday, 11 February to Sunday, 15 February 2026. While exact opening hours haven't been confirmed yet, these multi-day festivals at Manarat Al Saadiyat typically run from late afternoon into the evening on weekdays, with extended hours on weekends.

Animenia Abu Dhabi 2026 Tickets and Pricing

Tickets are available now through the official Animenia website. While the announcement confirms tickets are on sale, specific pricing tiers were not detailed in the initial release. We recommend checking the site directly for the latest packages, as early bird options often sell out quickly for events of this scale.

Getting there

Manarat Al Saadiyat is located in the Saadiyat Cultural District in Abu Dhabi. It is an easy drive from Dubai (about an hour from Dubai Marina) and offers ample parking. If you are coming from Abu Dhabi city, it is a short taxi ride from the Corniche. For those interested in the broader creative scene, like the winners of the recent AI Film Award, Manarat Al Saadiyat is a familiar hub for the arts.

Public transport users can use the Abu Dhabi bus network, though a taxi or driving is generally the most practical option for reaching Saadiyat Island.

Event Info

Event: Animenia Abu Dhabi
Dates: 11-15 February 2026 (Wednesday to Sunday)
Location: Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi
Tickets: Available online
Website: www.animeniaabudhabi.com

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