Al Ain Mall is set to host the three-day Anime and Gaming Con this weekend.
The event, running from Friday to Sunday, is free to attend and features an esports tournament in which games such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, Valorant and Fifa 23 will be played.
Winners will receive prizes from Sharaf DG and AD Gaming, including the chance to win a VIP experience for the coming Blast Premier World Final at Etihad Arena in December.
There will also be giveaways, a retro arcade gaming zone, cosplay competitions for adults and children and more.
Anime and Gaming Con will also have different corners dedicated to activities such as painting, karaoke and photography. There will be tournaments in dodgeball, laser tag, bowling and board games, too.
Meanwhile, panel discussions will spotlight career opportunities in Abu Dhabi’s growing gaming sector, ideal for those looking to make a career in the field.
“Abu Dhabi’s gaming and esports industry continues to grow at a rapid pace, increasingly contributing the the emirate’s broader economic diversification strategy,” said James Hartt, director of strategic initiatives and business development at AD Gaming.
"Abu Dhabi, and particularly Al Ain, is home to an incredibly passionate community of gaming and pop culture fans, which is why events such as this Anime and Gaming Con are so important.
“By supporting the local gaming and esports communities, we look to spark a passion for a career in video game development and esport tournament production that will, in turn, support the long-term sustainable growth of the emirate’s gaming industry.”
Friday to Sunday, 1pm to 10pm. More information is at alainmall.net
Scroll the gallery below to see cosplay from this year's Middle East Film and Comic Con
-
A woman in cosplay poses with Batman at the Middle East Film & Comic Con 2022 in Abu Dhabi. All photos by Antonie Robertson / The National, unless specified otherwise -
The judging panel of the cosplay competition. -
A woman in cosplay performs on stage. -
A cosplayer with a horse head mask. -
The audience turned out in full force to watch the cosplay competition. -
A cosplayer as the Marvel superhero Iron Man. -
Symbiote x Chainsaw Man. -
A young girl participates in the cosplay competition. -
The event took place at the MEFCC Mainstage, which is outdoors. -
A girl cosplays as DC superhero Wonder Woman. -
The judging panel featured regional and international cosplayers. -
Even though not everyone entered the competition, there was still plenty of cosplay on display on day two of the Middle East Film & Comic Con. -
A cosplayer in a menacing outfit. -
The children who competed in the Kids Cosplay competition were all winners and received swag bags. -
Sylar Serag, as Bazelgeuse Armor from 'Monster Hunter', won first place in the Best Craftsmanship category. Photo: Middle East Film and Comic Con -
Ashwani Kapoor as Samurai Vegito Blue from 'Dragon Ball Z' took second place in Best Craftsmanship. Photo: Middle East Film and Comic Con -
Mohamed Farahat as Banbaro from 'Monster Hunter World' took third place in Best Craftsmanship. Photo: Middle East Film and Comic Con -
Sabie Cipriani as Nico Yazawa from 'Long Live! School Idol Project' was first in Best Performance on Stage. Photo: Middle East Film and Comic Con -
Mohammed Hasan, who goes by the cosplay name Themed Injection, won third place for Best Performance on Stage as Heath Ledger’s The Joker. Photo: Middle East Film and Comic Con
