The 2025 edition will take place in Abu Dhabi from 18 to 20 April.
Dust off your superhero cape, and listen up — early bird tickets are now on sale for the 13th edition of the region’s largest pop culture festival, Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC). The hugely anticipated event will return to the capital from 18 to 20 April at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, and a limited number of early bird tickets are being released as we speak. Bonus: huge savings of up to 40 per cent off door prices are up for grabs.
Fans of fantasy and superheroes are in for a treat, as the Middle East Film and Comic Con (MEFCC) has just added the first celebrity to its star-studded lineup. Ian McDiarmid, the Scottish actor best known for his role as Emperor Palpatine in the Star Wars saga will be coming to the capital. He first appeared in the role in Return of the Jedi (1983), and he has since reprised the role in the prequel trilogy and the sequel trilogy. McDiarmid has also appeared in a number of other films and television shows, including Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988) and Sleepy Hollow (1999).
Anime enthusiasts are in for a thrill as Hideo Ishikawa, one of Japan’s most iconic voice actors, has been announced as a special guest. Best known for voicing Itachi Uchiha in Naruto, Ishikawa promises to captivate fans across the Middle East with his impressive repertoire of characters. His work spans multiple genres, including Toyotomi Hideyoshi in Samurai Warriors, Kyo-ya Onizuka in Aesthetica of a Rogue Hero, Ray Penber and Hideki Ide in Death Note, and the beloved roles of Squall Leonhart, Auron, and Cait Sith in the Final Fantasy series.
While we wait for MEFCC to announce its next celebrity guests, we do know that the event will feature 38,000 fans in attendance, 400 brand showcases, 65 entertainment acts, 25 celebrities, comic creators, and pro-cosplayers, and three days of fun.
Beyond the glitz and glamour of celebrity sightings, Middle East Film & Comic Con 2025 is shaping up to be the ultimate haven for all things fandom. You can dive into the Comic Creators Club, where passionate fans can score unique commissions and connect with the creative minds behind their beloved stories. For art enthusiasts, the Artist Alley features local and regional artists showcasing and selling their latest masterpieces. And calling all gamers — the Gaming Arena is your playground to level up with the latest challenges.
The Main Stage will host celebrity panels, interviews, community sessions, and exclusive fan screenings. Meanwhile, the Festival Plaza promises a whirlwind of live entertainment, music, engaging activities, and a feast of lip-smacking food and beverages.
Looking for an excuse to dress like your favourite character? There’s good news for you, too. Cosplayers can plan ahead and register to participate in one of the four categories. MEFCC will host three cosplay categories at the 2025 edition: Best Craftsmanship, Best Performance on Stage, and Best Kids Cosplay.
Targeting thousands of visitors from across the Middle East and beyond, MEFCC is now one of the most talked-about events in the region, bringing together fandoms across TV, film, sci-fi, anime, manga, comics, and collectables under one roof.
Tickets are available now via Platinumlist and start from AED 110.
GO: Visit https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.
