Events & Attractions
Animenia Abu Dhabi Returns with an Unmissable Neo-Tokyo Immersive Anime Experience
Animenia Abu Dhabi, the region’s most anticipated anime festival, returns bigger and bolder this February with an unmissable line-up of fan-favourite anime series and immersive experiences inspired by Japanese pop culture. Taking place from 11 to 15 February 2026 at Manarat Al Saadiyat, the five-day festival transforms the venue into a fully immersive anime universe, inviting fans to step directly into the worlds they love most.
A Global Celebration of Anime and Japanese Pop Culture
Designed as a fully immersive festival, Animenia Abu Dhabi blends storytelling, design, performance, and interactivity to bring anime culture to life. Across five action-packed days, visitors can explore intricately recreated anime-inspired environments, participate in skill-based games, enjoy cinematic screenings and live programming, and discover curated retail and food experiences inspired by authentic Japanese street culture.
Fans can expect rare Japan-only finds, exclusive collectibles, and opportunities to connect with creators and artists shaping the global anime scene today. From gaming zones buzzing with energy to curated shopping and themed food experiences, every corner of Animenia Abu Dhabi is crafted to celebrate the creativity and cultural impact of anime worldwide.
Four Iconic Anime Series Taking Over Animenia Abu Dhabi 2026
At the heart of Animenia Abu Dhabi 2026 are four major anime worlds, each brought to life through large-scale, interactive experiences. Fans will move through themed rooms, cinematic walkthroughs, hands-on challenges, and immersive photo moments inspired by iconic scenes and characters.
BLEACH
One of the most influential anime franchises of all time, BLEACH arrives at Animenia Abu Dhabi with a fully immersive Soul Reaper experience. Fans enter through a striking introduction space before embarking on a cinematic walkthrough that captures the spirit of Ichigo Kurosaki’s world.
The journey continues through interactive themed zones, including a fun obstacle challenge inspired by the Shin-o Academy, before concluding in an exclusive BLEACH merchandise area featuring must-have collectibles for fans.
DAN DA DAN
Fast-rising and wildly unpredictable, DAN DA DAN blends supernatural chaos, aliens, urban legends, and teenage humour into one high-energy anime experience.
At Animenia Abu Dhabi, guests enter through a supernatural shrine where reality quickly twists into the bizarre. Following an atmospheric, story-driven walkthrough, fans face high-intensity interactive zones packed with surprises and movement. The experience builds into a horror-style courtyard featuring a haunted school, live scenes, and a dedicated DAN DA DAN merchandise area.
SPY x FAMILY
Beloved for its humour and heart, SPY x FAMILY brings a family-friendly immersive world to Animenia Abu Dhabi. The story follows a secret agent who forms a fake family to complete a mission, unaware that his wife is an assassin and his daughter can read minds.
Fans begin their mission in an introductory room and walkthrough gallery before stepping into interactive sets inspired by the Forger family’s world. Highlights include a multi-room escape game, interactive challenges, themed photo moments, live activities, and exclusive SPY x FAMILY merchandise.
GINTAMA
The legendary GINTAMA experience takes over Animenia Abu Dhabi with its signature comedy, chaos, and emotional storytelling. Set in an alternate Edo period invaded by aliens, 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 iconic arcs. Guests navigate absurd challenges, a featured door maze, interactive rooms, reflex-based games, and comedic encounters, ending with exclusive GINTAMA merchandise.
Cosplay, Gaming, Workshops, and Live Entertainment
Beyond the anime worlds, Animenia Abu Dhabi 2026 offers a packed programme of interactive experiences for fans of all ages. The festival workshop space invites visitors to read, sketch, attend artist-led sessions, and connect with fellow anime enthusiasts.
Exclusive Meet & Greets with internationally celebrated anime and cosplay icons will be announced soon, alongside live performances and on-stage entertainment throughout the five days.
Animenia Abu Dhabi Cosplay Competition
One of the festival’s most electrifying highlights, the Animenia Abu Dhabi Cosplay Competition returns with a staggering AED 400,000 prize pool, making it one of the largest cosplay competitions in the region.
Cosplayers will compete in front of a world-class judging panel led by legendary professional cosplayer and concept artist Cinderys, Cosplay Hall of Famer Myrtle, acclaimed creators Piece of Cake Cosplay, and World Cosplay Summit Grand Champions Mio & Mayo. Known for pushing creative boundaries, this panel sets the stage for one of the most competitive and visually spectacular cosplay showcases in the region.
Food, Retail, and Exclusive Merchandise
Fans can also explore quiz zones, gaming areas, and a vibrant Konbini-style Japanese supermarket offering authentic snacks and drinks, alongside a DIY instant noodle station. Official Animenia Abu Dhabi 2026 merchandise will debut at the festival, featuring exclusive designs and collectible pieces available only on-site.
CA PANCAKES: For the first time in Abu Dhabi, @cajapanesepancakes, introduces its iconic Japanese soufflé pancakes.
CHA CHA: Oishii!（おいしい）A taste of Japan makes its Abu Dhabi debut.
Discover CHA CHA KOUBOU and their iconic squeezed matcha Mont Blanc at Animenia Abu Dhabi.
Iconic Japanese brands coming to Abu Dhabi – not to miss out:
FOX TOKYO: one of Japan’s top trading card vendors returns to ANIMENIA Abu Dhabi.
Tsume Art: Japan’s iconic designer and manufacturer of high-end statues display a special showcase of rare figures, including the legendary collection and exclusive reveal of their newest masterpiece.
Animate: Japan’s biggest anime video games and manga retailer.
Furyu brings its anime figures to ANIMENIA, from Noodle Stopper, TENITOL, to collectible and character driven design on display.
Everything You Need to Know
Event: Animenia Abu Dhabi 2026
Dates: 11 – 15 February 2026
Location: Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi
With four major anime worlds, immersive experiences, cosplay competitions, live entertainment, workshops, food, retail, and exclusive merchandise, Animenia Abu Dhabi 2026 promises five unforgettable days celebrating anime and Japanese pop culture at an international scale.