The Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC) is set to return to Abu Dhabi from April 18-20, 2025, at the ADNEC Centre, and the first celebrity announcements are already causing a buzz. Star Wars icon Ian McDiarmid, known for his role as Emperor Palpatine across all Star Wars trilogies, and Japanese voice actor Hideo Ishikawa, famously the voice of Itachi Uchiha in Naruto, are confirmed to join the region’s largest pop culture event.
McDiarmid’s participation comes during a special Star Wars-themed weekend at MEFCC, marking a major highlight for fans of the iconic franchise. Meanwhile, Ishikawa’s presence will excite anime enthusiasts, as his voice work spans beloved roles in Death Note, Final Fantasy, and Samurai Warriors, among others.
Loy Pinheiro, MEFCC Show Director, promises an event that will cater to all aspects of pop culture. “From casual fans to devoted collectors, MEFCC 2025 is set to be our most diverse and engaging event yet,” he said.
With activities spanning film, TV, anime, manga, comics, and gaming, attendees can look forward to celebrity meet-and-greets, cosplay competitions, live entertainment, a sprawling marketplace, and immersive experiences like the Japanese Village and Gaming Arena. Families can also enjoy dedicated zones for kids and book enthusiasts.
Tickets are available now, with limited VIP options remaining after Ultimate VIP passes sold out quickly. Standard 1-day passes start at AED 150, and 3-day passes are AED 395. For more information, visit www.mefcc.com or follow @mefcc on social media.
