Cosplayers, start planning those builds, because Animenia is back in Abu Dhabi and the stakes have never been higher.

Returning to Manarat Al Saadiyat from February 11 to 15, the five-day anime festival is offering a record-breaking Dh400,000 prize pool for its cosplay competition, making it one of the biggest cosplay prizes in the region.

Whether you’re known for screen-accurate recreations, jaw-dropping craftsmanship or full performance cosplay, Animenia is giving creators a global stage to shine. Expect fierce competition, show-stopping costumes and a crowd that truly gets the effort behind every stitch, prop and pose.

The festival itself is built for cosplayers. Four immersive anime worlds, Bleach, Spy X Family, Dan Da Dan And Gintama, provide the ultimate backdrop for photos, performances and character moments. 

Add neon Neo-Tokyo-style sets, live entertainment, gaming zones and packed fan crowds, and you’ve got the perfect arena to make an impression.

Even if you’re not competing, the cosplay scene alone is worth the visit, with some of the region’s most creative talents expected to show up in full force. And for Cosplayers, this one’s a big deal; there’s a massive prize pool up for grabs, making it one of the region’s most exciting cosplay competitions.

Event Details:

Where: Manarat Al Saadiyat

When:

• Wednesday, February 11: 4pm – 12 am
• Thursday, February 12: 4pm – 12am
• Friday, February 13: 4pm- 12am
• Saturday, February 14: 3pm – 12am
• Sunday, February 15: 3pm – 12am

Tickets: Dh95 (Wed, Thursday, Sun), Dh145 (Fri, Sat) ( | Feb 11–15, 2026