WWE legend John Cena will join a host of other celebrities at the event
If you’ve watched Netflix’s live-action One Piece, you’ll be happy to hear that one of the characters is coming to Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC) in Abu Dhabi.
Fans will be able to grab photos and autograph at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), when the event happens from September 11-13.
This is great news for fans, as the event was reschedule to September amid ongoing regional tensions.
Originally slated for 24–26 April 2026, the convention will now take place from 11–13 September 2026 at the ADNEC Centre.
WWE legend and Hollywood star John Cena is also heading to Abu Dhabi, where he will headline an already impressive celebrity lineup.
The 17-time world champion will appear at ADNEC Centre on September 12 and 13, giving UAE fans the chance to see one of wrestling’s biggest names in person.
Cena is joined by a growing roster of film, television and pop-culture favourites, including One Piece star Mackenyu, Star Wars actor Joonas Suotamo, and newly announced guests Pom Klementieff, Arden Cho and Jacob Romero.
Klementieff is best known as Mantis in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, while Cho has starred in Teen Wolf, Pretty Little Liars and KPop Demon Hunters. Romero plays Usopp in Netflix’s live-action One Piece.
For Cena fans, this is a chance to see the wrestler-turned-actor behind some of Hollywood’s biggest action and comedy titles.
His film credits include The Suicide Squad, Fast & Furious, Bumblebee, Barbie and Superman, while his role as Peacemaker has made him a major figure in the superhero world.
And it’s not just about celebrity sightings. MEFCC will bring together comics, anime, gaming, cosplay, manga, collectibles and film and TV fandoms across three days. The Meet the Stars zone will offer opportunities for celebrity signings, photographs and interactions, alongside panels, cosplay showcases, gaming experiences and comic-book activities.
Already on the original celebrity roll call is none other than Christopher Judge, the powerhouse voice and performance behind Kratos in God of War.
If that name alone gives you chills, you’re not alone, and it’s just the opening act.
With more A-list guests, legendary voice actors and pop culture icons set to be revealed in the coming weeks, this lineup is already shouting boss level unlocked.
Tickets? Super Early Bird passes vanished in just three days, Early Bird followed suit, and Standard tickets are now live.
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For fans who want the full main-character experience, a limited number of VIP, Super VIP and Ultimate VIP passes promise perks like meet-the-star vouchers, fast-track access and some seriously envy-inducing swag.
Cosplayers, it’s your time to shine. Registrations for the MEFCC Cosplay Competition are now open, inviting creators of all levels to bring their best builds, boldest performances and fiercest fandom energy.
The ultimate prize on offer is representing the UAE at the World Cosplay Summit Finals in Nagoya, Japan. No pressure.
Filmmakers aren’t left out either. The MEFCC Short Film Competition returns with the theme Dreams, encouraging storytellers across the region to bring their visions to life on screen.
From celebrity panels and gaming zones to anime-filled districts and creative showcases, MEFCC 2026 is shaping up to be a full-on pop culture playground.
If last year’s guest list featuring Andrew Garfield, Charlie Cox and Natalia Dyer is anything to go by, expect the star power to keep climbing.
Long story short? Clear your calendars (again), prep your costumes and ready your fandom hearts, MEFCC 2026 is coming, and it’s going to be epic.
From AED50. 11-13 September. ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. For further information, visit mefcc.com/home
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