The second edition of Animenia lands at Manarat Al Saadiyat from 11 to 15 February 2026.
Anime fans, get ready for a colourful day out. Animenia Abu Dhabi returns to Manarat Al Saadiyat. Running from 11 to 15 February 2026, the festival returns with a bigger programme, more interactive zones, and a showstopping cosplay competition with a prize pool of AED 400,000.
Across five days, Animenia will celebrate anime culture in all its forms. Expect full-scale scene recreations, glowing cityscapes and photogenic set pieces that transport guests into an anime-styled world. Gaming takes centre stage with an interactive zone for casual players and superfans alike, while the live bill turns up the volume with J-Pop shows, Anisong performances and appearances from familiar voices. Between sets, browse fashion stalls selling Harajuku streetwear, exclusive drops, collectables and limited-edition merch, then refuel at food stations serving cross-cultural flavours.
At the heart of Animenia Abu Dhabi 2026 are four anime worlds: BLEACH, SPY x FAMILY, DAN DA DAN, and GINTAMA. Each is built as a large-scale interactive experience, with themed rooms, walk-through moments, and hands-on games designed to mirror key settings, characters, and story beats.
BLEACH invites fans into the world of Soul Reapers through an eye-catching intro space and cinematic walkthrough, followed by interactive zones and an obstacle challenge inspired by the Shin-o Academy, finishing with an exclusive merchandise area.
DAN DA DAN, the fast-rising series that fuses supernatural chaos with aliens and urban legends, begins at a shrine where the ordinary turns strange. After a story-led walkthrough, guests move through high-intensity interactive zones, culminating in a horror-style courtyard with live scenes and a dedicated merch space.
SPY x FAMILY brings espionage, humour and heart to the festival floor. Guests start their mission with an Intro Room and gallery before stepping into interactive sets inspired by the Forger family’s world, including a multi-room escape game. As the story unfolds, the experience leans into playful challenges and photo moments, as well as live activities and exclusive merch. Yes, the secret agent’s “wife” is an assassin and his “daughter” can read minds.
GINTAMA takes over with its genre-bending comedy, set in an alternate Edo period invaded by aliens. Built around the Kabuki District, the experience features an intro space and gallery, interactive rooms, absurd challenges, reflex-based games and a door maze, ending with exclusive GINTAMA merchandise.
If you love to dress up, there will also be an Animenia Cosplay Competition. This gives you the chance to unleash your inner superhero and dress up as your favourite character. Building on last year’s momentum, contestants will compete in solo and group categories, with AED 400,000 on the line.
Beyond the anime worlds, there is plenty more to do. A dedicated workshop space offers room to read, sketch, join artist-led sessions and connect with fellow fans. Also on the agenda are quiz zones, gaming areas and a Konbini-style Japanese supermarket offering snacks and drinks, plus a DIY instant noodle station.
Tickets to Animenia Abu Dhabi start at AED 95.
GO: Visit http://platinumlist.net for more information.