{
  "id": 7925962,
  "title": "How anime and manga culture in the UAE is shifting from import to origin",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/how-anime-and-manga-culture-in-the-uae-is-shifting-from-import-to",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-17T01:20:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/how-anime-and-manga-culture-in-the-uae-is-shifting-from-import-to-origin-1.500676845"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Dubai: For decades, anime in the Middle East has meant imported entertainment. However, at the recent Middle East Film and Comic Con (MEFCC) in Abu Dhabi, three unique voices emphasized a significant shift. A streaming executive, a digital artist-turned-studio founder, and the editor-in-chief of an Emirati comics publisher all pointed to a growing trend: a region that once solely consumed Japanese and Western pop culture is now beginning to produce its own anime and manga.\n\nAnime, originating in Japan, is a distinct style of animation characterized by expressive eyes, dynamic action sequences, and diverse character designs. Unlike the common Western perception of anime as exclusively for children, it encompasses a wide range of genres, from fantasy epics to emotional dramas and horror, often exploring profound themes like grief, war, identity, and mortality. Its roots trace back to early 20th-century Japanese animators, but it developed its own visual grammar through its connection to manga, the comics frequently adapted into anime.\n\nIn the Middle East, anime has a long history. Streaming services like Crunchyroll have played a crucial role in expanding its visibility. Akshat Sahu, VP of APAC and MENA at Crunchyroll, revealed that anime has been streaming in the region since the 1970s. The real change lies in the audience's increased visibility and lifestyle integration, moving from occasional viewing to a more defined identity.\n\nCrunchyroll's success is attributed to its extensive library, featuring over 1,350 shows, and the platform's dubbing efforts in more than 15 languages, including Arabic. Arabic dubs, while limited in the past, have seen a 300% increase in viewership over the last six months, indicating a growing interest. Sahu also highlighted the platform's success with films, such as Demon Slayer, which attracted new fans to the anime culture through theatrical releases.\n\nMeanwhile, on the local scene, Kode Abdo, a Syrian-born digital artist now based in Melbourne, has been instrumental in shaping the anime culture through fan art. His work has even influenced casting decisions in major productions, illustrating the profound impact of online creativity in the region. This dual evolution—from imported content to local production and influence—marks a significant shift in how anime and manga are perceived and consumed in the Middle East.",
  "summary": "Dubai: For decades, anime in the Middle East has meant one thing: watching something made somewhere else. That's beginning to change. At this year's Middle East Film and Comic Con (MEFCC) in Abu Dhabi, three very different voices, a streaming executive, a digital artist turned studio founder, and the editor-in-chief of an Emirati comics publisher, all pointed toward the same shift: a region that…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}