Anime enthusiasts and manga fanatics recently descended on Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi from October 23rd to 27th as it became the beating heart of anime culture when Animenia made its spectacular regional debut
Abu Dhabi recently witnessed an anime revolution as the city transformed into a Neo-Tokyo-inspired paradise. Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and event agency BRAG, Animenia was a five-day festival of non-stop excitement that captured the imagination of anime enthusiasts across the region, redefining anime expos with a celebration of all things anime, cosplay, and Japanese culture. Katch International was thrilled to be part of this inaugural event, which proved to be a game-changer in the world of anime conventions.
A Festival Like No Other
Animenia wasn’t just another anime event, but a completely immersive journey into the vibrant, colourful world of anime. Attendees were treated to full-scale recreations of iconic anime scenes, such as Naruto’s KONOHA Village, where fans could navigate a ninja obstacle course, and the towering Wall Maria from Attack on Titan. This wasn’t limited to Japanese anime either as Spacetoon’s Arabic-influenced classics also made a splash, adding a nostalgic twist to the festival.
With Harajuku streetwear displays, Tokyo street food stalls, and a jaw-dropping cosplay competition, Animenia embraced every facet of Japanese culture and anime fandom, creating a dynamic space for fans to express their passion and creativity.
The Electric Atmosphere of Live Entertainment
Animenia’s exhilarating entertainment lineup was nothing short of spectacular. Anime lovers were mesmerised by live performances from some of the biggest names in anime music including the vocal power of Rasha Rizk, famous for her iconic anime intros, alongside J-Pop and rock legends like FLOW, Yoko Takahashi, angela, and many more.
Further highlights included Real Akiba Boiz, whose anime-inspired dance moves kept the crowd on their feet and the mood upbeat, while Powerglove, performing live for the first time in the region, brought a nostalgic yet electrifying edge with their video game music covers. Every night, the energy was palpable as audiences revelled in the soundtrack to their favourite anime moments.
Iconic Meet and Greets
For many attendees, the chance to meet some of the most revered creators in anime and gaming was the ultimate highlight. From Eiji Shiroi, creator of iconic Capcom characters, to Ryo Horikawa, the voice of Vegeta from Dragon Ball Z, the meet and greets were a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Fans could snap selfies, collect autographs, and engage in intimate Q&A sessions with their anime heroes, making memories that will last forever.
Cosplay Brilliance and Big Prizes
Cosplay is always a fan-favourite at anime festivals, and Animenia took it to the next level with its sensational cosplay competition. Boasting a staggering prize pool of AED 400,000, the stakes were high, and the cosplay community did not disappoint. Competitors, judged by renowned cosplay icons like Yuegene Fay and Rian CYD, stunned audiences with their meticulously crafted costumes and the creativity on display exceptionally showcased the passion of the region’s anime fans.
Workshops, Gaming, and More
In addition to the non-stop entertainment, Animenia hosted a wide array of interactive workshops. Attendees could learn everything from the delicate art of origami to the hands-on process of building Gundam models. In the Gaming Zone, powered by AD Gaming, gamers plunged into the world of VR and competitive esports, making the festival a paradise for both casual and hardcore gamers.
A Cultural Feast for All the Senses
No festival would be complete without the irresistible aromas of street food, and Animenia delivered just that with its authentic Tokyo street food market, offering everything from ramen to matcha-infused sweets. Bursting with stalls featuring merchandise from global brands and local artisans, there were also plenty of keepsakes to take home.
As the festival wrapped up its five-day run, it was clear that Animenia had not only delivered an unforgettable experience but had set a new standard for anime festivals in the region. Katch International is proud to have played a part in this groundbreaking event, helping to bring anime to life in Abu Dhabi in ways that have never been seen before.
If you missed out on Animenia this year, don’t worry, as anime mania is just getting started. The festival plan is already in the works as it looks to evolve and continue to unite fans from all walks of life in their love for anime.
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