MEFCC leads a packed UAE weekend of entertainment, music and culture
Residents and visitors looking for plans this weekend have plenty to choose from as the UAE hosts a broad mix of pop culture, music, comedy and family entertainment from September 11 to 13, 2026.
The biggest event on the calendar is arguably Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC) 2026, which returns to Abu Dhabi’s ADNEC Centre for three days. The festival runs from Friday, September 11, through Sunday, September 13, bringing together film, television, anime, comics, gaming, cosplay and collectibles.
MEFCC opens from 3pm to 11pm on Friday, before running from 12pm to 11pm on Saturday and Sunday. The official programme includes celebrity appearances, panels, cosplay activities, Artist Alley, gaming, collectibles and other pop-culture attractions.
The 2026 edition features a major international guest line-up, including John Cena, Simu Liu, Pom Klementieff, Mackenyu, Charithra Chandran and Arden Cho, among others. Saturday’s programme includes celebrity panels and discussions covering franchises, gaming and pop-culture collecting.
MEFCC is also expected to attract a substantial audience. Organisers say the event is expected to welcome more than 46,000 fans, alongside more than 500 brands and over 80 entertainment acts. The figure follows the 2025 edition, which attracted more than 46,000 visitors over three days.
For families, the event has an additional attraction: children aged six and under can enter MEFCC free, while the festival offers dedicated entertainment and activities beyond the celebrity programme.
Dubai Opera marks a decade
Dubai has its own major cultural highlight on Saturday, September 12, when Dubai Opera’s 10th Anniversary Gala takes place.
The event is listed by Dubai’s official tourism platform among the weekend’s major live shows. The programme celebrates a decade of Dubai Opera, adding a classical and orchestral option to the weekend’s entertainment line-up.
For visitors who prefer music and performance over large-scale festivals, the gala provides a more formal alternative to the weekend’s pop-culture events.
Jasmine Sandlas brings The Dream Girl Tour to Dubai
Punjabi music fans have another major event to look forward to on Sunday.
Jasmine Sandlas is scheduled to perform at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on September 13 as part of her The Dream Girl Tour. The concert is among the weekend’s headline live-music events in Dubai.
The performance gives the weekend a strong South Asian music component and is likely to appeal to fans looking for a large-scale live concert rather than a festival or theatre production.
More entertainment across Dubai
The weekend calendar extends beyond the biggest headline events.
Dubai’s official events calendar lists the Comedy Box Office Festival for September 12 at Emirates Theatre, with tickets listed from AED 125 to AED 275.
Another option is Blind Symphony, scheduled for September 13. The performance is designed around listening rather than visual spectacle, with musicians performing in complete darkness.
For film-music fans, Reel to Real: A Cinematic Symphony is also scheduled in Dubai on September 12, bringing well-known movie scores to the stage with an orchestra.
Sharjah also joins the weekend entertainment line-up with Rajakeeyam – Celebrate with Legends at Expo Centre Sharjah on September 12, a celebration of Malayalam cinema icon Mammootty and his five-decade career.
A quieter option: Abu Dhabi Corniche
Not every weekend plan needs a ticket.
Abu Dhabi’s Corniche remains an option for visitors wanting a slower start to the day. The waterfront stretches for around eight kilometres and includes pedestrian and cycling paths, cafés, restaurants and Corniche Beach.
The area also has a range of breakfast and dining choices. The Corniche itself connects several attractions and waterfront spaces, making it possible to combine a morning walk or breakfast with sightseeing before heading to another event later in the day.
For visitors travelling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi for MEFCC, the event’s official information confirms that ADNEC is accessible by road from Dubai, while the venue is also close to Abu Dhabi International Airport.
A weekend with something for different audiences
The September 11–13 calendar shows just how varied the UAE’s entertainment scene has become.
MEFCC is the standout choice for anime, comics, gaming and celebrity culture. Dubai Opera offers a more classical cultural experience, while Jasmine Sandlas provides a major Punjabi music night. Comedy, orchestral performances and cinema-related events add further choices across Dubai and Sharjah.
For residents deciding what to do this weekend, the choice may come down less to finding an event and more to choosing between the UAE’s increasingly diverse entertainment options.
What are the biggest UAE events this weekend?
MEFCC 2026 in Abu Dhabi is one of the weekend’s largest events, alongside Dubai Opera’s 10th Anniversary Gala and Jasmine Sandlas’ Dubai concert.
When is MEFCC 2026?
MEFCC 2026 runs from September 11 to 13 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.
What time does MEFCC open?
MEFCC opens at 3pm on Friday and at noon on Saturday and Sunday. Each day closes at 11pm.
Who is appearing at MEFCC 2026?
The announced guest line-up includes John Cena, Simu Liu, Pom Klementieff, Mackenyu, Charithra Chandran and Arden Cho, among others.
When is Jasmine Sandlas performing in Dubai?
Jasmine Sandlas is scheduled to perform at Coca-Cola Arena on September 13 as part of The Dream Girl Tour.
What is happening at Dubai Opera this weekend?
Dubai Opera’s 10th Anniversary Gala is scheduled for September 12.
Are there family-friendly events in Abu Dhabi?
MEFCC includes family-oriented activities, and children aged six and under can enter free.
