John Cena to attend Middle East Film and Comic Con in Abu Dhabi

John Cena, a prominent WWE star and actor, will attend the Middle East Film and Comic Con (MEFCC) in Abu Dhabi from September 11 to 13. This marks the convention's 14th edition since its original April dates were shifted due to regional conflict. The event is returning with a 24% increase in visitors since 2022, welcoming over 46,000 attendees in 2025.

Cena joins other notable celebrities such as Mackenyu, who plays Roronoa Zoro in Netflix's live-action One Piece adaptation. MEFCC has expanded beyond its traditional comic convention model, incorporating Artist Alley, Otaku District, TCG Arena, Bookworm Lounge, and a Collector's Gallery. These additions were driven by feedback from the convention's visitors.

Ayman Akaily, content manager of MEFCC, highlights the diversity in pop culture preferences among Middle East audiences, with fans enjoying a mix of Hollywood franchises and Japanese anime, such as Demon Slayer and One Piece. The convention's growth has been shaped by the communities that attend, with Artist Alley serving as a platform for independent creators to showcase their work and build loyal customer bases.

The Short Film Competition has also gained traction, with 60 entries in its inaugural year and 83 films submitted this year.