Long awaited and bigger than ever, Animenia Abu Dhabi, the region’s most talked-about anime festival, returns with the world’s largest cosplay prize pool and immersive experiences straight out of iconic Japanese anime series. Presented by BRAG, the leading boundary-pushing creative festival experts in the UAE, in partnership and collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the festival takes place at Manarat Al Saadiyat from 11 to 15 February. Spanning five action-packed days, the programme promises an unmissable anime celebration unlike anything fans have experienced before.
A Celebration of Anime Culture at a Global Scale
Created as a fully immersive festival experience, Animenia Abu Dhabi brings the worlds of anime to life through a seamless blend of storytelling, design, performance, and interactivity. Visitors can explore intricately recreated anime-inspired environments, take part in skill-based games, enjoy cinematic screenings, and live programming, as well as discover flavours and curated shopping opportunities. Every element of the festival is thoughtfully crafted to celebrate the depth, creativity, and global influence of Japanese pop culture.
Throughout five packed days, Animenia Abu Dhabi delivers the kind of discoveries fans dream about, featuring Japan-only finds, rare collectibles, and creators whose work has already taken over your feed. It’s a chance to meet the voices behind your favourite characters, come face-to-face with artists and exhibitors shaping the scene right now, and try delicious bites inspired by authentic Japanese street food. Complete with a buzzing Gaming Zone, every corner is charged with the energy, creativity, and shared obsession that define anime culture worldwide.
Four Iconic Anime Series Taking Over Animenia 2026
At the heart of Animenia Abu Dhabi 2026 are four standout anime worlds, BLEACH, SPY x FAMILY, DAN DA DAN, and GINTAMA, each brought to life through large-scale, interactive worlds. Each world places fans directly inside the action, moving through themed rooms inspired by iconic scenes and characters, stepping into familiar settings, and taking on challenges that mirror the stories you love. Expect hands-on games, cinematic walkthroughs, and photo moments that feel pulled straight from the screen.
BLEACH
BLEACH, one of the most influential anime franchises of all time, is coming to Animenia Abu Dhabi to give attendees a glimpse into the exciting world of Ichigo Kurosaki.
The BLEACH zone has been designed to fully immerse fans in the world of Soul Reapers. Guests enter an eye-catching intro space that sets the tone for BLEACH, followed by a cinematic walk-through experience. The journey continues through themed interactive zones, leading into a fun obstacle challenge inspired by the Shin-o Academy, and concludes with an exclusive BLEACH merchandise area.
DAN DA DAN
DAN DA DAN is a high-energy anime that blends supernatural chaos, aliens, urban legends, and teenage humour, following two students as they are pulled into bizarre paranormal battles.
At Animenia Abu Dhabi, DAN DA DAN delivers one of the most thrilling and unconventional worlds that’s fresh, fast-rising, and wildly unpredictable. Guests enter through a supernatural shrine where the ordinary quickly twists into the bizarre. Following an atmospheric intro and story-driven walkthrough, fans enter high-intensity interactive zones filled with movement, surprises, and supernatural thrills. The experience builds into a horror-style courtyard with a horror school, live scenes, and a dedicated merch area.
SPY x FAMILY
Blending espionage with humour and heart, SPY x FAMILY is a family-friendly experience about a secret agent who creates a fake family to complete a mission, unaware that his “wife” is an assassin and his “daughter” can read minds.
In Animenia Abu Dhabi, SPY x FAMILY arrives with an unforgettable, immersive experience. Guests begin their mission with an Intro Room and walkthrough gallery before stepping into interactive sets inspired by the Forger family’s world. Fans explore iconic SPY x FAMILY settings, led by a multi-room escape game, alongside interactive challenges and fun photo moments. The world also features live activities and exclusive merch in a playful, accessible environment.
GINTAMA
The legendary GINTAMA experience takes over Animenia Abu Dhabi, bringing with it its sharp comedy and genre-breaking storytelling, set in an alternate Edo period invaded by aliens.
Chaotic, emotional, and endlessly entertaining, the GINTAMA world celebrates the anime’s humour and heart in equal measure. Designed around the Kabuki District, the experience opens with an Intro Room and gallery showcasing the series’ most iconic arcs. Guests dive into GINTAMA’s chaotic world with absurd challenges, a featured door maze experience, interactive rooms, and comedic, reflex-based games, ending the journey with exclusive GINTAMA merchandise.
Even More to Explore, Play, and Create
Beyond the anime worlds, Animenia Abu Dhabi boasts a range of interactive experiences designed to appeal to all fans. The workshop is the place for visitors to read, sketch, attend artist-led workshops, and connect with fellow enthusiasts. The festival will also bring fans face-to-face with some of the world’s most celebrated anime and cosplay icons through exclusive Meet & Greets to be announced soon, live performances, and on-stage entertainment across the five festival days.
Raising the energy even higher, the Animenia Abu Dhabi Cosplay Competition returns as one of the event’s most electrifying centrepieces, boasting a jaw-dropping prize pool of AED400,000. Cosplayers will take the stage in front of a world-class judging line up, led by legendary professional cosplayer and concept artist Cinderys, Southeast Asian pop-culture icon and Cosplay Hall of Famer Myrtle, celebrated costume creators Piece of Cake Cosplay, and World Cosplay Summit Grand Champions Mio & Mayo. Known for pushing the boundaries of what cosplay can be, this powerhouse panel brings star power and expert edge to a showdown that promises one of the region’s most competitive and visually spectacular cosplay showcases.
Additionally there will be quiz zones, gaming areas, and a vibrant Konbini-style Japanese supermarket offering authentic snacks and drinks, and a DIY instant noodle station. Official Animenia Abu Dhabi 2026 merchandise will also debut, featuring designs and collectible pieces.
With four major anime worlds, meet and greets, games, retail, workshops, food, and so much more, Animenia Abu Dhabi 2026 promises five unforgettable days of Japanese pop culture and beyond.
When:? 11 to 15 February?2026?
Where:? Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi??
Day passes and festival passes are now on sale through official ticketing partners www.ticketmaster.ae and www.platinumlist.net, with more ticket categories to be released soon.
Visit?www.animeniaabudhabi.com?for more information about the festival?and upcoming ticket details.?
Follow its social media channels to keep updated with the latest news. Instagram, TikTok,?Facebook, and?YouTube:?@animeniaabudhabi