Neon Lights and Cosplayers: Inside Animenia Abu Dhabi’s Latest Edition
The mood changes the moment you enter Manarat Al Saadiyat. Neon lights glow across stylised storefronts while cosplayers move through the space in detailed costumes. Animenia Abu Dhabi is back, and this year it arrives with a broader scale and clearer ambition.
Running for five days until Sunday, the festival once again reshapes the waterfront venue into a version of Neo Tokyo. After drawing nearly 32,000 visitors in its debut edition, the 2026 event builds on that success with larger installations, official studio partnerships and a wider cultural programme.
Four Franchises, Four Immersive Worlds
At the heart of the festival are four major anime titles, each presented inside its own dedicated gallery. Every space begins with a short introductory film, offering newcomers context while building anticipation for longtime fans.
From there, visitors step into recreated sets inspired by each series. Detailed environments, interactive screens and carnival-style games bring key scenes and characters to life. Each zone also features its own merchandise store, stocked with official items and limited pieces created exclusively for Animenia.
Bleach Brings Back a 2000s Classic.
Originally airing in 2004 and running for 366 episodes, Bleach helped define a generation of anime fans. Its recent revival series has renewed interest in the franchise.
At Animenia, the Bleach gallery traces Ichigo Kurosaki’s journey as a Soul Reaper before guiding visitors through staged battle scenes inspired by the Soul Society and Hueco Mundo arcs. Interactive displays and themed skill games translate the show’s sword fights and spiritual powers into hands-on experiences.
Dan Da Dan’s Supernatural Energy
Based on Yukinobu Tatsu’s manga, Dan Da Dan became one of the most talked about recent titles before its anime adaptation launched in 2024.
Its installation opens with a fast-paced introduction that captures the series’ mix of aliens, paranormal chaos and teenage humour. Bold lighting and sci-fi details shape the gallery, while playful games echo the unpredictable tone of the show.
Spy × Family Steps Into Real Life.
Spy × Family, adapted from Tatsuya Endo’s manga, quickly gained global popularity after premiering in 2022. Its mix of espionage and family comedy has widened anime’s mainstream reach.
Visitors begin with an overview of the Forger family’s layered secrets before entering recreated home interiors and mission settings. Interactive features allow guests to pose within familiar scenes, while themed games reference the show’s undercover missions.
Gintama’s Comic Chaos
First broadcast in 2006, Gintama blended parody, satire and serious storytelling across more than 350 episodes.
The Animenia gallery reflects that unpredictable tone. Edo-inspired design elements sit alongside absurd humour, with interactive stations and lighthearted challenges that nod to the anime’s recurring jokes and characters.
Gaming, Collectibles and Workshops
Beyond the franchise galleries, Animenia expands into gaming and retail. A dedicated area supported by AD Gaming includes retro arcade cabinets and racing simulators. Visitors can test their skills or join workshops focused on creative techniques.
Japanese brands have been brought in specifically for the event, alongside vendors selling imported figures, art books and rare collectibles. The marketplace ranges from mainstream favourites to niche collector pieces.
Among the exhibitors is collector Ronald Hajjar, showcasing rare Pokémon cards. Highlights include a 21-card Pikachu Poncho master set from 2016, graded PSA 10 and valued at around Dh1 million, alongside other limited promotional cards.
Cosplay and Special Guests
Animenia 2026 also hosts one of the region’s largest cosplay competitions, offering a Dh400,000 prize pool. Participants are judged on craftsmanship, accuracy and stage performance, with detailed sets providing dramatic backdrops.
The guest list features well-known voice actors, including Yuki Kaji, Noriko Hidaka, Fairouz Ai, Daisuke Hirakawa, Mariya Ise, Kazuki Yao and Kensho Ono. Animation director Shoji Kawamori is also in attendance.
Event Details
Day passes start at Dh95 on weekdays and Dh145 on weekends, with full five-day passes from Dh495.
Across five days, Animenia combines immersive worlds, gaming culture, retail discovery and live appearances, turning Manarat Al Saadiyat into one of the region’s largest celebrations of anime.
