Abu Dhabi Is Going Full Neo-Tokyo Again Next February

Animenia Abu Dhabi is coming back in February 2026, and the organisers are clearly levelling up the whole thing. Expect five days of anime worlds, gaming, merch, J-Pop shows, and a cosplay competition with a record AED 400,000 prize pool. Tickets are already available, so fans who don’t want to miss out might want to sort their passes soon.

A Bigger, Brighter Animenia Returns

The festival is back at Manarat Al Saadiyat and will run for five days, giving fans more time to explore everything from themed zones to live shows.

• Runs from 11 to 15 February 2026
• Hosted at Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi
• Organised by DCT Abu Dhabi and produced by Brag

The first edition pulled strong numbers, and the 2026 return looks even more stacked. The Neo-Tokyo vibe, colourful builds, and crowd-favourite performances are all returning, this time with more interactive zones and a wider lineup of anime-inspired experiences.

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What’s New for 2026

This year brings extra performances, themed worlds, and more hands-on experiences.

• J-Pop and Anisong concerts
• Exclusive Meet & Greets
• Themed anime exhibits and photobooths
• A larger gaming zone
• Collectibles and festival-only merch

The festival will have several “realms” inspired by well-known anime settings, giving fans places to take photos or just hang out. There’s also an expanded gaming area, which should appeal to competitive players and casual fans alike. If you’ve been to events like MEFCC or AGS, this feels like Abu Dhabi’s dedicated, anime-only answer.

Cosplay Competition With AED 400,000 on the Line

One of Animenia’s biggest draws is back — and the cash prizes are bigger than before.

• AED 400,000 total prize pool
• Solo and group categories
• Awards for Craftsmanship, Performance, Spark Award and more
• Registration open until 15 January 2026

This is now one of the region’s most valuable cosplay competitions, attracting skilled builders from across the GCC. Whether you’re entering or just watching, expect some seriously impressive work on stage. Cosplayers can register through animeniaabudhabi.com.

Ticket Prices for UAE Fans

Tickets are already available, covering weekday, weekend, and full-event access.

• Weekday pass: AED 95
• Weekend pass: AED 145
• Limited five-day passes also available
• Access covers exhibitions, workshops, gaming, food, anime worlds and more

There are no VIP categories yet, though organisers hint more ticket types are coming. If you’re planning to attend multiple days, the five-day pass will probably sell out first.

What to Expect at the Venue

Manarat Al Saadiyat is a solid pick for a festival like this — big indoor halls, shaded outdoor spaces, and plenty of room to build themed areas.

• Live music and stage shows
• Curated anime installations
• Food stalls serving Japanese-style street food
• Shopping zones for merch, collectibles, and artwork

If the 2025 edition was anything to go by, food queues will be busy at peak hours, so consider heading early or late in the day. The street-food focus is a nice touch for fans who want Tokyo-inspired snacks without catching a flight.

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