Animenia is back with the biggest cosplay competition prize pool of AED 400,000

 

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From 11 – 15 February 2026 the festival will return to Manarat Al Saadiyat to unleash Neo-Tokyo aesthetics, immersive anime experiences, exclusive merch, live entertainment, cross-cultural street food, and so much more

  

 

An unmissable highlight is the Animenia cosplay competition, with a jaw-dropping AED 400,000 prize pool 

 

Abu Dhabi, UAE (6 November 2025): The wait is almost over: anime fans can rejoice, as Animenia Abu Dhabi is set to make its highly anticipated return to the UAE capital from 11 to 15 February 2026. Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the event’s second edition promises to be even bigger and better, bringing Manarat Al Saadiyat alive with anime, fan activations, music, food and boundless energy. Adding to the excitement, Animenia invites fans to showcase their talent and costumes at its showstopping cosplay competition, with a staggering AED 400,000 prize pool up for grabs. 

 

The festival will celebrate the dynamic world of anime, transporting fans and gamers into the vibrant world of Neo-Tokyo without ever leaving Abu Dhabi. From small-screen favourites to nostalgic classics, attendees will journey through quirky shops, glowing signs, and meet some of the beloved characters that make the anime world so unforgettable.​ 

 

Bringing the experience to life, guests can expect full-scale anime scene recreations as well as an interactive gaming zone. The second edition of Animenia will turn up the volume with even more live entertainment, including J-Pop shows, Anisong performances, and appearances from familiar voices. What’s more, fans can enjoy some retail therapy with exclusive drops and collectibles, before refuelling with some mouthwatering street food. 

 

Once again, Animenia is calling all fans and cosplayers to take the spotlight on 15 February for the ultimate cosplay showdown. Building on last year’s thrilling competition and with an AED 400,000 prize pool to take home, global cosplayers are encouraged to bring their A-game. Contestants will battle it out in solo and group categories with special awards for Best in Craftsmanship, Best in Performance, Animenia’s Spark award and many more. Registration is open until 15 January 2026 at www.animeniaabudhabi.com.  

 

Get ready, Abu Dhabi - Animenia 2026 is about to level up. Five days of full-throttle anime action, epic entertainment, and Neo-Tokyo vibes are coming your way.  

When: 11 to 15 February 2026 

Where: Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi  

 

Visit www.animeniaabudhabi.com for more information about the festival and follow its social media channels to keep updated with the latest news. 

 

Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube: @animeniaabudhabi