Anime fans, gamers, and cosplay lovers, get ready. Dubai is launching a brand-new pop culture event this week, and it promises to be something special. The JPEX Entertainment Exhibition (JPEX) is making its debut from April 25 to 27 at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City.

This three-day festival is all about celebrating anime, gaming, cosplay, and Japanese culture. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just starting to explore the world of pop culture, JPEX has something for everyone.

What Makes JPEX Different?

Unlike other big conventions, JPEX was created by four young Emiratis who are passionate about anime and pop culture. They’ve put the entire event together on their own, with no corporate sponsors, because they wanted to build something fun and community-focused right here in Dubai.

Their dream? To make JPEX the city’s go-to annual event for fans of all things anime and pop culture.

Special Guests From the Anime World

JPEX is bringing in some big names from the anime world, including:

• Hiroshi Kitadani, the singer of several One Piece theme songs
• Ryusei Nakao, the voice of Frieza (Dragon Ball Z), Mayuri (Bleach), and Caesar Clown (One Piece)
• Showtaro Morikubo, known for roles like Shikamaru (Naruto) and Yosuke (Persona 4)
• Amal Saadeddin, the Arabic voice of characters from Detective Conan, Pokémon, Doraemon, and more

Fans will get the chance to see them perform live, do voice-acting on stage, and meet them in person.

What to Expect at JPEX

The event is packed with fun activities, including:

• Cosplay competitions with judges from the region and beyond
• Gaming tournaments for games like Tekken, FC 25, Super Smash Bros., Pokémon, and One Piece TCG
• Artist alley and a vendor market for fans to shop and meet local creators
• Cultural experiences like kimono dressing, tea ceremonies, and Japanese calligraphy
• Food courts, photo zones, workshops, and interactive spaces

Event details:

Where: Expo City Dubai

When: April 25-27

Tickets: Dh105, available on www.dubai.platinumlist.net