Animenia Abu Dhabi returns in February with immersive anime experiences
Amin Abbas
ABU DHABI: Animenia Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s annual anime festival, returns with the world’s largest cosplay prize pool and immersive experiences straight out of iconic Japanese anime series from Feb. 11 to 15.Taking place at Manarat Al Saadiyat, the festival is presented by BRAG in collaboration with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism. Created as a fully immersive festival experience, Animenia Abu Dhabi brings anime to life through a seamless blend of storytelling, design, performance, and interactivity.Visitors can explore intricately recreated anime-inspired environments, take part in skill-based games, and enjoy cinematic screenings and live programming, as well as discover flavors and curated shopping opportunities.Four shows will be highlighted at Animenia Abu Dhabi this year: ‘Bleach,’ ‘Spy x Family,’ ‘Dan Da Dan,’ and ‘Gintama.’ Each anime will be brought to life through large-scale, interactive worlds. Fans can move through themed rooms inspired by iconic scenes and characters.The ‘Bleach’ zone has been designed to fully immerse fans in the world of Soul Reapers. Guests enter an eye-catching intro space that sets the tone for the anime, followed by a cinematic walk-through experience.The journey continues through themed interactive zones, leading into a fun obstacle challenge inspired by the Shin-o Academy, and concludes with an exclusive ‘Bleach’ merchandise area.The ‘Dan Da Dan’ area offers a supernatural shrine as fans enter high-intensity interactive zones filled with movement and surprises.The experience builds into a horror-style courtyard with a horror school, live scenes, and a dedicated merch area.In the ‘Spy x Family’ area, fans begin their mission with an Intro Room and can walk through a gallery before stepping into interactive sets inspired by the Forger family’s world.Guests can explore the anime’s iconic settings, led by a multi-room escape game, alongside interactive challenges and fun photo moments. The area also features live activities and exclusive merch. Beyond the anime worlds, Animenia Abu Dhabi is hosting a range of interactive experiences designed to appeal to all fans. It will also bring fans face-to-face with some of the world’s most celebrated anime and cosplay icons through exclusive Meet & Greets to be announced soon, live performances, and on-stage entertainment across the five festival days.Raising the energy even higher, the Animenia Abu Dhabi Cosplay Competition returns as one of the event’s most electrifying centerpieces, boasting a jaw-dropping prize pool of AED400,000. Cosplayers will take the stage in front of a world-class judging lineup.Additionally, there will be quiz zones, gaming areas, and a vibrant Konbini-style Japanese supermarket offering authentic snacks and drinks, and a DIY instant noodle station. Tickets can be purchased online.
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