Arab News Japan

ABU DHABI: Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC,) the region’s largest pop culture festival, concluded its 12th edition on Sunday and will return next year for its 13th edition on April 18–20, 2025, in Abu Dhabi. 

The much-anticipated pop culture event, organized in partnership with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism, broke last year’s attendance record as thousands gathered at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre for a weekend celebrating pop culture, manga, cosplay, and more. 

The celebrity lineup included popular Japanese voiceover actors such as Tōru Furuya and Show Hayami, who played characters in “Gundam,” “Dragon Ball Z,” and “Bleach.”

The event also welcomed renowned voice actor Troy Baker, who played the main male character in the video game series “The Last of Us,” as well as Netflix’s “One Piece” stars Iñaki Godoy and Taz Skylar. 

On the last day of this year’s event, Yoichi Takahashi, the creator of Captain Tsubasa, which is known as Captain Majid in the Arab world, made an appearance as he held a meet-and-greet session and participated in a panel.

The “Festival Plaza” area witnessed multiple live performances, such as dance performances by UAE-based groups “HRZN” and “Tidal Idols.” The area also held the annual cosplay competition.  

Additionally, MEFCC introduced a “Japanese village” area this year, which witnessed a mix of traditional and modern Japanese activities such as an anime song showcase and a traditional art show. Yuka, one of the only Japanese cosplayers in the UAE, held an anime concert in the area. 

Another all-new feature at MEFCC this year was the Collectors Gallery, which brought together a new community of superfans in a showcase of rare items, including signed props, figures, graded comics, and more.

“We are beyond proud to deliver another epic edition of MEFCC to our beloved community of engaged and dedicated fans, exhibitors, and partners,” said Loy Pinheiro, MEFCC’s Show Director. “With a comprehensive program that covered the entire gamut of the pop industry and a fascinating blend of attractions and experiences, MEFCC 2024 was truly a convention unlike any other.” 

“This achievement would not have been possible without the invaluable support of our many partners, exhibitors, and our community of passionate fans who are at the heart of MEFCC. Feeling immensely grateful for this success, we are already looking ahead to the future, and we can’t wait to welcome you again in 2025,” he added.