Prepare yourselves, anime fans, for a spectacular five-day experience as Animenia takes over Abu Dhabi at Manarat Al Saadiyat from October 23rd to 27th. This year, Animenia promises to deliver a mind-blowing experience, filled with immersive anime-themed exhibits, creative workshops, gaming zones, live entertainment, exclusive meet and greets, and an epic cosplay competition with prizes worth over AED 400,000. If you’re an anime enthusiast, gamer, cosplayer, or just curious about the rich world of anime, this is the event of the year you absolutely cannot miss.
Here’s a complete guide to everything you can expect from Animenia Abu Dhabi 2024, the largest anime festival in the region.
Step into the World of Anime: Immersive Exhibits and Themed Zones
At the heart of Animenia is its impressive array of anime-themed exhibits. These immersive spaces allow fans to explore their favorite anime worlds as if they have stepped directly into the screen. Prepare for thrilling activities, meet like-minded collectors, and get ready to swap exclusive treasures with other fans.
Attack on Titan lovers will get the chance to scale Wall Maria and test their courage in a special photo-op featuring the ODM gear training setup. Meanwhile, those eager to show off their ninja skills can explore Naruto’s Konoha Village by tackling a Ninja Obstacle Course or navigating the tricky Mirror Maze.
For fans of Jujutsu Kaisen, the chaos of the Shibuya Incident is recreated in an interactive zone, featuring the iconic Domain Expansions of your favorite characters. If something more playful is your style, head over to Sanrio’s Hello Kitty exhibit, where you’ll find a mixture of digital and analogue games perfect for the whole family. Plus, fans of the classic Spacetoon can take a walk down memory lane with a nostalgic showcase of beloved childhood cartoons, sure to evoke warm memories with every step.
Unleash Your Creativity: Workshops and Gaming Zones
Animenia will also be hosting a variety of workshops that explore creativity, culture, and tradition. Whether you’re a seasoned anime fan or a newcomer, there’s a hands-on workshop for everyone.
Join the Anime Dance Workshop with the dynamic Real Akiba Boyz, where you can learn iconic choreography from your favorite anime tunes. Build your very own Gundam miniatures in the Gunpla Workshop with experts from OtakuME, or try your hand at Tamiya model car racing for a dose of high-speed fun.
For those who enjoy the traditional side of Japanese culture, the Origami Workshop will guide you through creating intricate paper art, while the Shamisen Session with KUNI-KEN offers a deep dive into the soulful sounds of Japan’s traditional instruments. Wrap up your cultural journey with the serene Japanese Tea Ceremony or relax with a Nurie Coloring session, a popular Japanese pastime.
For the gamers, the Animenia Gaming Zone powered by AD Gaming promises an action-packed experience with cutting-edge VR, competitive esports, and immersive gaming experiences. While specific details are still under wraps, you can expect to dive headfirst into thrilling digital worlds and battle it out with your friends in epic competitions.
Meet Your Anime Heroes: Star-Studded Meet & Greets
One of the major highlights of Animenia is the opportunity to meet some of the biggest names in anime and gaming. Whether it’s snapping photos, getting autographs, or having brief but exciting chats with your favorite creators, artists, and voice actors, these meet-and-greet sessions are a dream come true for anime fans.
Special guests this year include Eiji Shiroi, creator of characters for Capcom and SNK, along with Hidetoshi Omori, the animation director behind anime hits like Gundam and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. You’ll also get the chance to meet Square Enix’s art director Isamu Kamikokuryo and Keiichiro Toyama, the mastermind behind Silent Hill. Plus, Naoto Ohshima, the creator of Sonic the Hedgehog, will be present along with Kikuko Inoue, who voices characters in Oh! My Goddess and Captain Tsubasa.
If that wasn’t enough, Vegeta’s voice actor Ryo Horikawa, and SUDA51, director of No More Heroes, will also be present. Fans of Final Fantasy won’t want to miss Takashi Tokita and Yoko Shimomura, both key figures in the beloved franchise’s history. With a star-studded lineup, make sure to secure your Meet and Greet Day Pass now!
Unforgettable Live Performances: Anime Soundtracks and More
Animenia will also be a stage for incredible live entertainment, with performances from anime’s top stars. The festival’s headliner, Rasha Rizk, will take the stage on October 25th, performing iconic songs from Detective Conan, Dragon Ball Super, and Hunter X Hunter. On October 26th, don’t miss out on FLOW, the legendary rock band known for hits like Naruto’s “GO!!!” and theme songs from Code Geass.
The entertainment continues with supporting acts from angela, the duo behind songs from Stellvia in Space, and Saudi pop sensation Mojo, who blends urban beats with anime tunes. The festival kicks off with a bang on October 23rd, featuring Yoko Takahashi performing her classic track from Neon Genesis Evangelion, followed by performances from JUNNA, Snowkel, Blinding Sunrise, and Powerglove, who will debut in the region.
Cosplay Competition: Showcase Your Skills and Win Big
Cosplayers, this is your time to shine! The Animenia Cosplay Competition offers over AED 400,000 in cash prizes, making it the biggest cosplay competition in the region. Participants can enter solo or as part of a group, with special awards for Best in Craftsmanship, Best in Performance, and Best in Anime Adaptation.
The competition will be judged by renowned cosplayers Yuegene Fay, Rian CYD, Naythero, and others, with special guests like Reika from Japan and VEGA Cosplay from Saudi Arabia. Be sure to register by October 20th on the official website to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime competition!
Anime Shopping and Tokyo Street Food: Retail and Culinary Delights
Animenia isn’t just about anime and entertainment – it’s also a paradise for anime merchandise lovers and foodies alike. Discover authentic Tokyo street food, from savory ramen to sweet mochi, and indulge in the mouth-watering flavors of Japan right here in Abu Dhabi.
Alongside the food stalls, you’ll find a wide array of anime-themed retail stalls, selling everything from exclusive anime accessories to collectible merchandise and trendy anime streetwear. Whether you’re looking for a keepsake or a gift, there’s something for everyone.
Ticket Information: Secure Your Spot Today
Tickets for Animenia are available now, with options for every type of fan. The Day Pass for weekdays starts at AED 65, while the Weekend Pass is also available. For the ultimate experience, opt for the 5-Day Festival Pass at AED 425, or get a Concert General Admission ticket for AED 185, which includes access to the concert and one day at the festival.
For those looking to meet their anime idols, the Meet & Greet Day Pass is available for AED 145. For the most devoted fans, the Super VIP Pass offers the ultimate all-access experience for AED 1,995, which includes full access to the festival, meet and greets, and more.
Don’t miss out – tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster and Platinumlist.
