MEFCC 2026 is bringing some of the biggest names from wrestling, Hollywood, streaming television and anime adaptations to Abu Dhabi this September.
John Cena leads a celebrity lineup that also includes Simu Liu, Pom Klementieff, Mackenyu, Jacob Romero, Charithra Chandran, Arden Cho and Joonas Suotamo. Together, the confirmed guests represent major franchises including WWE, Marvel, One Piece, Star Wars, Bridgerton and KPop Demon Hunters.
The Middle East Film and Comic Con will run from September 11 to 13, 2026, at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. The three-day festival will combine celebrity appearances with panel discussions, autograph sessions, professional photographs, cosplay contests, gaming tournaments, comic creators, collectibles and live entertainment.
More guests may still be announced before the convention opens, but the current lineup already gives UAE fans several major reasons to plan a trip to Abu Dhabi.
John Cena Headlines MEFCC 2026
John Cena is the biggest name confirmed for MEFCC 2026. The actor and WWE star will appear at the convention on Saturday, September 12, and Sunday, September 13.
Cena became one of professional wrestling’s most recognisable performers after making his WWE debut in 2002. His career later expanded into film and television through roles in The Suicide Squad, Peacemaker, F9 and Fast X.
His appearance is expected to attract wrestling followers as well as fans of the DC series Peacemaker. According to the official MEFCC guest page, autographs and professional photographs with Cena are priced at AED 900 each.
These vouchers are separate from the standard admission ticket and must be purchased at the Meet the Stars zone inside the venue, subject to availability. Visitors hoping to meet Cena should check the official schedule before attending, as his sessions are limited to the final two days of the event.
Marvel Stars Join The Celebrity Lineup
Simu Liu and Pom Klementieff bring a significant Marvel presence to MEFCC 2026.
Liu is best known for playing Shang-Chi in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His other prominent credits include the sitcom Kim’s Convenience and his appearance as Ken in Barbie.
The actor is currently scheduled to attend on Friday, September 11, making the first day the only opportunity to see him at the convention. His autograph voucher is priced at AED 560, while a professional photograph costs AED 580.
Klementieff is widely recognised as Mantis, a character she has played in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. She is currently included in the official MEFCC celebrity programme alongside the convention’s other film and television guests.
For Marvel followers, the presence of Liu and Klementieff gives MEFCC 2026 representation from two different corners of the cinematic universe.
One Piece Cast Members Head To Abu Dhabi
The live-action One Piece adaptation will also have a strong presence at this year’s festival.
Mackenyu, who plays swordsman Roronoa Zoro, is scheduled to attend on Saturday and Sunday. The actor has also appeared in Knights of the Zodiac, Rurouni Kenshin and the live-action Fullmetal Alchemist films.
Jacob Romero, known for playing Usopp, is set to appear across all three days. His schedule includes individual autograph and photograph sessions, with duo photograph opportunities alongside Mackenyu available on Saturday and Sunday.
Charithra Chandran is also part of the lineup. The actor became internationally known as Edwina Sharma in Bridgerton and joined the One Piece universe as Nefertari Vivi, also known as Miss Wednesday.
The three appearances are likely to make the One Piece guests one of the busiest areas of the Meet the Stars zone, particularly during the weekend when Mackenyu and Romero are scheduled together.
KPop Demon Hunters And Star Wars Stars Confirmed
Arden Cho expands the lineup beyond traditional superhero and comic-book franchises. She voices Rumi in KPop Demon Hunters and is also known for playing Kira Yukimura in Teen Wolf and Ingrid Yun in Partner Track. Her other credits include Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Joonas Suotamo completes the currently published celebrity list. The Finnish actor is best known for portraying Chewbacca in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Solo: A Star Wars Story and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
Suotamo also played the Wookiee Jedi Kelnacca in The Acolyte and appears as Lurch in Wednesday. He is scheduled to attend all three days of MEFCC 2026. His autograph voucher is listed at AED 280, while professional photographs cost AED 300.
His inclusion gives Star Wars followers a dedicated guest alongside the event’s Marvel, WWE, anime adaptation and streaming television stars.
MEFCC 2026 Dates, Venue And Opening Hours
MEFCC 2026 takes place at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from Friday, September 11, until Sunday, September 13.
The published opening hours are:
- Friday, September 11: 3pm to 11pm
- Saturday, September 12: 12pm to 11pm
- Sunday, September 13: 12pm to 11pm
The event will occupy Halls 8 to 11, the ICC Hall and Central Plaza. Visitors travelling from Dubai should allow additional time for traffic, parking, ticket collection and entry checks, especially on Saturday.
Parking is available in ADNEC car parks A and B. Attendees should review their chosen guest’s appearance dates before buying a single-day ticket because not every celebrity will attend on all three days.
MEFCC 2026 Ticket Prices
Standard one-day admission currently costs AED 160 for Friday, AED 190 for Saturday and AED 160 for Sunday. A three-day pass is available for AED 390.
The organisers are also advertising a limited buy-three-get-one-free offer on eligible one-day and three-day standard passes. Under the offer, groups can purchase four tickets for the price of three.
Children aged six and under can enter free, subject to identification requirements. Tickets for children aged seven to 11 cost AED 50 per day and are sold at the venue. Registered school and university students may also qualify for discounted one-day passes.
VIP tickets are already sold out, while standard tickets remain available. Organisers state that current online rates include a saving compared with at-the-door prices.
Standard entry provides access to the convention and the Meet the Stars area, but it does not include an autograph or professional photograph. Separate vouchers must be purchased for those experiences.
More Than Celebrity Meet And Greets
Celebrity appearances may command the most attention, but MEFCC 2026 is designed as a wider celebration of pop culture.
The show floor will include Artist Alley, the Bookworm Lounge, Comic Creators Club, Collectors Gallery, Gaming Arena, Main Stage, Otaku District, Tabletop Zone and a dedicated trading card game arena.
Confirmed comic creators include Jim Cheung, Federico Vicentini, Brett Breeding, Dexter Soy, Ken Lashley, Francesco Mobili, Mike Choi and Jimbo Salgado. Their collective work spans major characters and series from Marvel, DC and other international publishers.
The weekend programme also features cosplay competitions, live performances, gaming activities, screenings and panel discussions. Saturday’s published schedule includes a group panel featuring John Cena, Pom Klementieff, Charithra Chandran and Joonas Suotamo.
What Dubai Fans Should Know Before Booking
For fans travelling from Dubai, choosing the right day will depend largely on which celebrity they want to see.
Simu Liu is currently scheduled only for Friday, while John Cena and Mackenyu will appear on Saturday and Sunday. Jacob Romero and Joonas Suotamo are listed for all three days.
Saturday offers the broadest crossover of confirmed guests, but it is also the most expensive single-day ticket and is likely to be the busiest. The AED 390 three-day pass provides better value for visitors who want to attend several panels, explore the show floor and book more than one celebrity experience.
Schedules, guest appearances and voucher availability can change, so visitors should check the official MEFCC website before travelling. With stars from WWE, Marvel, One Piece, Star Wars and KPop Demon Hunters already confirmed, MEFCC 2026 is positioned to be one of the UAE’s biggest pop culture events of the year.
