Major anime guest announced for Comic Con Abu Dhabi 2026

A major anime voice actor joins Middle East Film & Comic Con Abu Dhabi, with panels, panels, Q&As and autograph sessions

Anime fans, this one is for you. Middle East Film & Comic Con has announced its first Japanese voice actor guest for 2026, and it is a big name. Ryōtarō Okiayu, best known as the voice of Byakuya Kuchiki in Bleach, will appear at the event from April 24 to 26 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

When the doors open, ADNEC will once again turn into a full-scale pop culture playground. Inside the dedicated Otaku District, anime lovers can expect special appearances, fan moments and plenty of reasons to stay longer than planned.

Okiayu is one of the most recognisable voices in anime and gaming, with a career that spans decades. His credits include Slam Dunk, The Prince of Tennis, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Fullmetal Alchemist, Toriko and Detective Conan. Gaming fans may know him as Terra in Kingdom Hearts, Zero in Mega Man X and Lee Chaolan in Tekken. He has also voiced characters in One Piece, including Kizaru and Kaku.

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At the event, fans will be able to see him live on stage, join Q&A sessions and line up for autograph signings. It is a rare chance to meet the voice behind some of anime’s most iconic characters. His appearance adds to a growing international guest list. Actors Christopher Judge and Simu Liu were confirmed earlier this year, signalling another big year for the region’s largest pop culture festival.

Middle East Film & Comic Con returns to Abu Dhabi from April 24 to 26, bringing together comics, gaming, film, cosplay and anime under one roof. If past editions are anything to go by, expect crowds, costumes and serious fan energy.