Loy Pinheiro, Show Director of Middle East Film & Comic Con, said: “MEFCC has always been where fandoms come together, and this September we’re bringing more of the worlds our fans love under one roof than ever before. Across three unforgettable days, fans can immerse themselves in everything from comics and anime to gaming, cosplay, K-pop, collectibles and so much more. Together with our partners at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, our team at inD continues to raise the bar – creating bigger experiences, bringing global talent closer to our community, and celebrating the incredible passion of fans across the Middle East.” 

Pom Klementieff  

Hollywood actor and purple-belt stunt-woman Pom Klementieff is not to be messed around, despite her endearing performance and comedic timing as Mantis in the Marvel universe. She first appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 in 2017, before reprising the role across Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, Thor: Love and Thunder, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 – with her return locked in for Avengers: Doomsday later this year. 

Known for her diverse repertoire in superhero blockbusters, high-octane franchises and indie French cinema, Pom boasts acting credits in Spike Lee’s Old Boy, Mission Impossible, Black Mirror, and more. Whether playing an empathetic alien or a deadly assassin, she is sure to bring the drama to MEFCC 2026. 

Arden Cho 

From Pretty Little Liars to Teen Wolf and Avatar: The Last Airbender, it’s safe to say that Arden Cho has a very diverse legion of fans. Her performance as Rumi in KPop Demon Hunters, Netflix’s most-watched animated film of all time, earned her international acclaim as the movie surpassed 600 million views, spent 52 consecutive weeks in Netflix’s Global Top 10, and won two Oscars in 2026.  

Beyond demon hunting, Cho is a talented singer-songwriter whose acoustic covers and independent singles have pulled in millions of views. Her diverse background includes earning a taekwondo black belt, modelling globally for major brands like Clinique and Nike, and competing in high-stakes poker championships.  

Jacob Romero  

Joining co-star Mackenyu, Netflix’s One Piece sniper Jacob Romero will be meeting fans in person at ADNEC Centre from September 11 – 13. The American actor earned a cult following thanks to nailing Usopp's highly expressive personality, translating anime’s exaggerated mannerisms into a grounded, lovable live-action performance.  

Jacob’s first television breakthrough came in 2019 with Oprah Winfrey Network’s Greenleaf. He has also showcased his range across Grey’s Anatomy, All Rise and The Resident and a slew of theatre projects. A regular on the international Comic Con circuit, he can be expected to match Usopp’s larger-than-life character at MEFCC’s Meet the Stars Zone. 

For those already bugging out about meeting Mantis, Rumi, Usopp, Zoro, Chewbacca, and John Cena, MEFCC is coordinating a free shuttle service exclusively for ticket holders. Four locations from Dubai and Sharjah to ADNEC Centre have fan rides covered, with registrations open now until September 2.  

Fans can look forward to a packed programme of entertainment, family‑friendly experiences and celebrity appearances. Imagine a weekend spent browsing rare memorabilia in the Collector’s Gallery, commissioning art in Artist Alley, competing in the Gaming Arena, being immersed in Japanese culture in the Otaku District, watching live performances in Festival Plaza, and much much more.