Neo-Tokyo on Saadiyat: Inside Abu Dhabi’s blockbuster anime festival ‘Animenia’

ABU DHABI — If you walk past Manarat Al Saadiyat this week, you might think a portal to Japan has opened up on the edge of the Arabian Gulf.

The UAE capital’s cultural district has been transformed into a vibrant "Neo-Tokyo" for the second edition of Animenia, a festival that is quickly establishing itself as a heavyweight on the global pop-culture calendar. 

Organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) February 11-15, the event is currently in full swing, drawing thousands of otakus, gamers, and curious families into a neon-lit celebration of Japanese creativity.

Animenia is much more than just another comic convention. It has become a flagship event for the region’s youth culture.

A new standard for immersion

Unlike traditional expos that often feel like trade shows in convention centers, Animenia focuses on "world-building." The festival grounds at Manarat Al Saadiyat have been redesigned to feel like the bustling streets of Akihabara and Harajuku.

Visitors don't just look at posters; they step inside their favorite shows. 

The festival features massive, full-scale recreations of iconic scenes from anime juggernauts. In previous and current editions, fans have walked through the walls of Attack on Titan, stood amidst the sorcery of Jujutsu Kaisen, and explored the ninja world of Naruto.

"We aimed to transport fans and gamers into the vibrant, futuristic setting of Neo-Tokyo without them needing to leave Abu Dhabi," said a representative from the organizing team. "It is about community spirit and shared imagination." 

The AED 400,000 cosplay phenomenon 

The heartbeat of Animenia is undoubtedly its cosplay community. The festival has made headlines globally for offering one of the largest prize pools in the history of anime conventions: over AED 400,000 (almost $109,000).

This staggering figure has attracted elite cosplayers from around the world, raising the bar for craftsmanship and performance. The competition, which culminates on the final day of the festival, sees participants battling it out in categories ranging from "Best Craftsmanship" to "Best Performance" and "Best Anime Adaptation."

Walking through the venue, attendees are greeted by an army of characters—from intricate mecha suits to nostalgic heroes from the 90s—turning the festival into a living, breathing masquerade.

J-Pop legends and nostalgia trips

The soundtrack to Animenia is a high-energy mix of J-Pop, rock, and anisong (anime songs). The festival has curated a lineup that bridges the gap between modern hits and golden-age nostalgia.

The stage has hosted legends like Yoko Takahashi (famous for the Neon Genesis Evangelion theme) and rock bands like FLOW (known for Naruto tracks), bringing authentic Japanese concert energy to the UAE.

Animenia pays homage to the Arab world's deep-rooted history with anime. Performances by artists like Rasha Rizk, the voice behind many Arabic-dubbed Spacetoon classics (like Detective Conan), create powerful moments of shared childhood nostalgia for local millennials and Gen Z fans.

Gaming, Grub, and Gunpla

Beyond the stage and screens, the festival is a sensory overload. The Gaming Hub, Supported by Abu Dhabi Gaming, is a zone that features everything from retro arcades and VR experiences to competitive tournaments in Mario Kart and Just Dance.

For those who want to create rather than consume, there are expert-led sessions on manga drawing, Gunpla (Gundam model) building, and Japanese calligraphy.

The festival made sure to get visitors a taste of Tokyo.. The "street food" alley serves up authentic ramen, takoyaki, and matcha desserts, completing the immersion.

Animenia 2026 confirms Abu Dhabi’s strategy to diversify its cultural portfolio beyond traditional art and heritage. By investing in niche but passionate communities like anime and gaming, the city is positioning itself as a modern creative hub for the Middle East.