The second edition of Animenia lands at Manarat Al Saadiyat from 11 to 15 February 2026.
Anime fans, get ready for a colourful day out. Animenia Abu Dhabi returns to Manarat Al Saadiyat. Running from 11 to 15 February 2026, the festival returns with a bigger programme, more interactive zones, and a showstopping cosplay competition with a prize pool of AED 400,000.
Across five days, Animenia will celebrate anime culture in all its forms. Expect full-scale scene recreations, glowing cityscapes and photogenic set pieces that transport guests into an anime-styled world. Gaming takes centre stage with an interactive zone for casual players and superfans alike, while the live bill turns up the volume with J-Pop shows, Anisong performances and appearances from familiar voices. Between sets, browse fashion stalls selling Harajuku streetwear, exclusive drops, collectables and limited-edition merch, then refuel at food stations serving cross-cultural flavours.
If you love to dress up, there will also be an Animenia Cosplay Competition. This gives you the chance to unleash your inner superhero and dress up as your favourite character. Building on last year’s momentum, contestants will compete in solo and group categories, with special awards including Best in Craftsmanship, Best in Performance and Animenia’s Spark award. With AED 400,000 on the line, international and regional cosplayers are invited to bring their best builds and stage presence. Registration is open until 15 January 2026 via animeniaabudhabi.com.
Animenia Abu Dhabi describes itself as an anime festival like no other, offering family-friendly fun. The event brings Tokyo’s neon lights to life and brings them to the heart of the capital. Plus, it fuses the experience with local culture and includes a range of Arabic artists and cartoons.
From small-screen favourites to nostalgic classics, the curation blends discovery with nostalgia, spotlighting the community’s creativity through workshops, showcases, and on-ground activations. The setting at Manarat Al Saadiyat places the festival at the heart of Abu Dhabi’s cultural hub, minutes from world-class institutions and Saadiyat’s beaches.
Tickets to Animenia Abu Dhabi will be available soon.
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GO: Visit www.animeniaabudhabi.com for more information.