Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, August , 2026: Just when you thought Middle East Film & Comic Con’s 2026 lineup couldn’t get any better, the region’s largest pop culture festival makes the ultimate grand slam. John Cena – that’s right, the WWE champion turned Hollywood actor and pop culture icon – is coming to MEFCC at ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi on 12 and 13 September.
From the Ring to the Main Stage:
John Cena has lived a dozen lifetimes in a single career. He started out as a professional bodybuilder and limousine driver in Massachusetts, became a 17-time wrestling World Champion and the face of WWE, before making it in Hollywood as a global action-comedy star. Across hundreds of leading and cameo roles, he boasts film credits in beloved blockbusters including The Suicide Squad, Fast and Furious, Barbie, Bumblebee, and Superman.
And that’s not all. Cena holds the official Guinness World Record for the most Make-A-Wish Foundation wishes granted by any one person; has authored a series of best-selling children’s books; frequently serves as producer-stroke-narrator for TV sports series; and even recorded his own rap album, entitled using his signature catchphrase, ‘You Can’t See Me.’
Wrestling his way into an all-star lineup at MEFCC 2026, Cena headlines MEFCC, joining Mackenyu from Netflix’s One Piece and recently announced guest Joonas Suotamo, the Finnish actor who brought the iconic Chewbacca to life across the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy and also played Lurch in Netflix’s Wednesday.
With more exciting announcements dropping in the next few days, fans can catch all the stars at MEFCC 2026. Taking place at ADNEC Centre for one unforgettable weekend, the Meet the Stars zone allows superfans to meet their heroes in real life through exclusive signings, photo opportunities and engaging conversations.
MEFCC is a space where fans and creators come together over what they love, from celebrity panels and cosplay showcases to gaming zones and comic book discoveries. It’s all part of the Abu Dhabi Calendar – a year-round line-up of events where passion takes center stage.
Tickets are selling quickly with all VIP tickets sold out, so grab your standard tickets now! Standard Tickets: 1-day Friday pass – AED 160; 1-day Saturday pass – AED 190; 1-day Sunday pass – AED 160; 3-day weekend pass – AED 390. Children aged 6 and under go free, whilst tickets for ages 7 to 11 are priced at AED 50 at the door.
About Middle East Film & Comic Con
Middle East Film and Comic Con will return to Abu Dhabi from 11 – 13 September 2026 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, UAE. Returning for its 14th edition and hosting over 46,000 fans, the event has grown to become the region’s largest popular culture festival. Offering a mix of international and regional entertainment and brands from Film, TV, Sci-Fi, Anime, Manga, Gaming, Comics and Collectibles – it’s the ultimate destination for a fun and action-packed weekend out. Fans can meet celebrities, shop exclusive merchandise, watch film previews and screenings, take part in creative workshops, compete in gaming tournaments and cosplay competitions and geek out with the community!
About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors, fuels economic progress and helps achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.
DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.
About Informa Connect:
Informa Connect is a division of Informa plc, a global business that is listed on the London Stock Exchange and a member of the FTSE 100. Informa plc. has a network of trusted brands in specialist markets across more than 30 countries with 11,000+ colleagues. Informa Connect is a live events and digital platform specialist connecting individuals and professionals with knowledge, ideas and opportunities. Our purpose is to champion the specialist. Through hundreds of powerful brands, we work with businesses and professionals in specialist markets, providing the connections, intelligence and opportunities that help customers grow, do business, make breakthroughs and take better informed decisions. Operating major branded events in Finance, Biotech & Pharma and in a number of other specialist markets and connect communities online year-round.
