The event includes celebrity meet and greets and a cosplay competition.

Allons-y, geronimo, fantastic. Doctor Who fans, this one’s for you. Middle East Film and Comic Con 2023 has announced its first celebrity headliner, Matt Smith. The British actor, who is best known for starring in Doctor Who and House of the Dragon, will be joining the show. Taking place from 3 to 5 March at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, it looks set to be an exciting, family-friendly event.

Now in its 11th year, Middle East Film and Comic Con 2023 welcomes the biggest names in film and comics. Matt Smith came to fame as the 11th Doctor in the hit sci-fi series Doctor Who. Plus, he received critical acclaim for playing Prince Philip in The Crown, which earned him an Emmy nomination for Best Supporting Actor. 

The Middle East Film and Comic Con 2023 line-up also includes Christopher Sabat, who is best known as the voice of Vegeta in Dragon Ball’s anime and video game series. Plus, voice actor Paige O’Hara, who played Belle in Beauty and the Beast, and Zach Aguilar, who played Tanjiro Kamado, Demon Slayer and Aether in Genshin Impact. During meet and greets, guests will be able to interact with the stars for autographs as well as photographs.

Disney fans will be excited to hear from the company’s award-winning designer, Mike and Patty Peraza. Mike has worked on The Little Mermaid, Duck Tales, Fox and the Hound, Return to Oz, Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast. Patty was the first female hire at Walt Disney Studios, and she has worked on Mickey’s Christmas Carol and Disney adverts. 

If you love to get your cosplay on, then register for the Cosplay Competition. The categories include Best Craftsmanship, Best Performance on Stage and Best Kids Cosplay (where everyone is a winner). Get your gear on, as the best dressed character will win AED 30,000 

Tickets are now on sale and include regular and limited-edition VIP packages. Individual passes start from AED 135 for a single day, and AED 299 for three days. VIP packages start from AED 700. 

GO: Visit www.mefcc.com/home/ticket-info for more information.