Inside Playgrounds, Abu Dhabi’s community-led celebration of collector culture
Playgrounds was built around a simple idea: to give collectors and fans a place to meet, trade and share the things they care about. Presented by Sandstorm Comics, the Abu Dhabi event brought together communities around comics, manga, trading card games, toys, cosplay and other areas of pop culture. Much of the floor was made up of independent sellers, artists and collectors, with visitors moving…
Playgrounds, an Abu Dhabi community-led celebration of collector culture, showcased a diverse range of pop culture interests including comics, manga, trading card games, toys, cosplay and more. The event, organized by Sandstorm Comics, aimed to give collectors and fans a space to meet, trade and share their passions. Presenting a community-driven approach, Playgrounds emphasized the importance of local creators and enthusiasts in shaping the UAE's pop culture scene.
Trading cards, such as the 2023 Pokemon Old Maid Pikachu card, were a highlight, valued in the millions of dollars. Various stall types catered to different interests, from figures and plush toys to artists, prints and comics. The three-day event at Manarat Al Saadiyat included tournaments, cosplay, interactive activities, and live entertainment.
Playgrounds provided Sandstorm with an opportunity to feature their own comics alongside international franchises, promoting inclusive stories that reflect the local culture. The event successfully brought together different communities, allowing fans to browse, collect, trade, and connect with fellow enthusiasts.
Written by urgent.news from The National Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Inside Playgrounds, Abu Dhabi’s community-led celebration of collector culture thenationalnews.com
