• The Middle East Film and Comic Con took place in Abu Dhabi for the first time in 2022 after being held in Dubai for many years. All photos: Victor Besa / The National
    The Middle East Film and Comic Con took place in Abu Dhabi for the first time in 2022 after being held in Dubai for many years. All photos: Victor Besa / The National
  • The event is region's largest pop culture festival.
    The event is region's largest pop culture festival.
  • A woman in cosplay at the outdoor Party Plaza area at Adnec.
    A woman in cosplay at the outdoor Party Plaza area at Adnec.
  • Saeed with the Alejandro stuffed toy.
    Saeed with the Alejandro stuffed toy.
  • Print artist Khalid Al Raiisi with his 3D work.
    Print artist Khalid Al Raiisi with his 3D work.
  • Women take a selfie with the Batman statue.
    Women take a selfie with the Batman statue.
  • Ameera of Princess Designs custom art mugs.
    Ameera of Princess Designs custom art mugs.
  • A fan takes a selfie with The Chuckies.
    A fan takes a selfie with The Chuckies.
  • Comic Con visitors pose with Batman.
    Comic Con visitors pose with Batman.
  • Nadine, left, as Ms Joke and Reem as Shinso from the Japanese manga 'Of My Hero Academia'.
    Nadine, left, as Ms Joke and Reem as Shinso from the Japanese manga 'Of My Hero Academia'.
  • From left: Mimi Al Hajehr as Beidou, Lilly Lou as a Japanese school girl and Shouq Al Mehairbi as Nezuko.
    From left: Mimi Al Hajehr as Beidou, Lilly Lou as a Japanese school girl and Shouq Al Mehairbi as Nezuko.
  • A replicate of Thanos's infinity stone gauntlet.
    A replicate of Thanos's infinity stone gauntlet.
  • Visitors enjoy the outdoor area of Party Plaza.
    Visitors enjoy the outdoor area of Party Plaza.
  • Dexter Stephenson as Zenitsu Agatsuma, left, and Ahmed Al Hammadi as Inosuke from 'Dragon Slayer'.
    Dexter Stephenson as Zenitsu Agatsuma, left, and Ahmed Al Hammadi as Inosuke from 'Dragon Slayer'.
  • From left: Paris as Sleeping Beauty, Majed as Karl Heissenberg from 'Resident Evil Village' and Erim as Ezio of 'Assassin's Creed'.
    From left: Paris as Sleeping Beauty, Majed as Karl Heissenberg from 'Resident Evil Village' and Erim as Ezio of 'Assassin's Creed'.
  • Children enjoy an inflatable playhouse in the Party Plaza area.
    Children enjoy an inflatable playhouse in the Party Plaza area.
  • Glow in the dark artist Mohammed Al Ketbi.
    Glow in the dark artist Mohammed Al Ketbi.
  • The Middle East Film and Comic Con 2022 was held at Adnec.
    The Middle East Film and Comic Con 2022 was held at Adnec.
  • Artists Yasmin, left, and Leila Nemer at Artist Alley.
    Artists Yasmin, left, and Leila Nemer at Artist Alley.
  • Young visitors playing computer games.
    Young visitors playing computer games.
  • Comic books available for purchase at Comic Con.
    Comic books available for purchase at Comic Con.

Culture

Television

Middle East Film and Comic Con returns to Abu Dhabi for a second time in March

The region's largest pop culture festival will be held at Adnec from March 3 to 5

Hareth Al Bustani
Hareth Al Bustani

October 06, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Middle East Film and Comic Con, the region’s largest pop culture festival, has confirmed its next Abu Dhabi outing will be held from March 3 to 5 next year.

The event will be hosted by Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre for the second time, after moving from its long-time home in Dubai World Trade Centre.

Scroll through the gallery above for pictures from MEFCC 2022

A celebration of pop culture and fandom, the event brings together fans and stars for a fun-filled weekend that features workshops, talks, meet-and-greets, concerts, competitions and more.

MEFCC 2022 marked the event's 10th anniversary with special appearances from Charlie Cox, known for his role as Matt Murdock, aka Daredevil; Barry Keoghan, who acted in Dunkirk and The Batman; Ming-Na Wen (The Mandalorian); Nathalie Emmanuel (Game of Thrones); Charles Martinet (the voice of Super Mario) and others.

Among the highlights of the show is the annual cosplay competition, where fans dress up as their favourite characters and compete to see who is the best-dressed. Last year, a prize pool of Dh25,000 ($6,807) was up for grabs, split across three different categories, including Best Craftsmanship, Best Performance on Stage and Best Kids Cosplay.

Scroll through the gallery below for pictures from the cosplay competition at MEFCC 2022

  • 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
    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.
    The judging panel of the cosplay competition.
  • A woman in cosplay performs on stage.
    A woman in cosplay performs on stage.
  • A cosplayer with a horse head mask.
    A cosplayer with a horse head mask.
  • The audience turned out in full force to watch the cosplay competition.
    The audience turned out in full force to watch the cosplay competition.
  • A cosplayer as the Marvel superhero Iron Man.
    A cosplayer as the Marvel superhero Iron Man.
  • Symbiote x Chainsaw Man.
    Symbiote x Chainsaw Man.
  • A young girl participates in the cosplay competition.
    A young girl participates in the cosplay competition.
  • The event took place at the MEFCC Mainstage, which is outdoors.
    The event took place at the MEFCC Mainstage, which is outdoors.
  • A girl cosplays as DC superhero Wonder Woman.
    A girl cosplays as DC superhero Wonder Woman.
  • The judging panel featured regional and international cosplayers.
    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.
    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.
    A cosplayer in a menacing outfit.
  • The children who competed in the Kids Cosplay competition were all winners and received swag bags.
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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

The Mainstage section of the event also featured gaming and dance competitions, alongside live DJ and musical performances. Emirati singer Alira performed an anime-themed concert, while gamers battled for the Dh30,000 prize pool playing popular titles such as Rocket League, Tekken 7 and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.

With tens of thousands of fans descending on the capital from across the world for the event, traders also regularly exhibit and sell wares ranging from retro gaming consoles to rare early comic books editions.

The outdoor zone also usually features plenty of food trucks, as well as a children’s play area for the younger guests.

MEFCC is yet to announce its line-up of guests and activities, but fans can find out more about the event at mefcc.com.

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

THE SPECS

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo

Power: 275hp at 6,600rpm

Torque: 353Nm from 1,450-4,700rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto

Top speed: 250kph

Fuel consumption: 6.8L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: Dh146,999

Wonka
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%C2%A0Paul%20King%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3ETimothee%20Chalamet%2C%20Olivia%20Colman%2C%20Hugh%20Grant%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EEjari%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERiyadh%2C%20Saudi%20Arabia%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EYazeed%20Al%20Shamsi%2C%20Fahad%20Albedah%2C%20Mohammed%20Alkhelewy%20and%20Khalid%20Almunif%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPropTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETotal%20funding%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%241%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESanabil%20500%20Mena%2C%20Hambro%20Perks'%20Oryx%20Fund%20and%20angel%20investors%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E8%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Mubadala World Tennis Championship 2018 schedule

Thursday December 27

Men's quarter-finals

Kevin Anderson v Hyeon Chung 4pm

Dominic Thiem v Karen Khachanov 6pm

Women's exhibition

Serena Williams v Venus Williams 8pm

Friday December 28

5th place play-off 3pm

Men's semi-finals

Rafael Nadal v Anderson/Chung 5pm

Novak Djokovic v Thiem/Khachanov 7pm

Saturday December 29

3rd place play-off 5pm

Men's final 7pm

While you're here

Electoral College Victory

Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate. 

 

Popular Vote Tally

The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.

Electric scooters: some rules to remember
  • Riders must be 14-years-old or over
  • Wear a protective helmet
  • Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
  • Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
  • Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
  • Do not drive outside designated lanes
Groom and Two Brides

Director: Elie Semaan

Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla

Rating: 3/5

Tamkeen's offering
  • Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
  • Option 2: 50% across three years
  • Option 3: 30% across five years 
No more lice

Defining head lice

Pediculus humanus capitis are tiny wingless insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. The adult head louse is up to 3mm long, has six legs, and is tan to greyish-white in colour. The female lives up to four weeks and, once mature, can lay up to 10 eggs per day. These tiny nits firmly attach to the base of the hair shaft, get incubated by body heat and hatch in eight days or so.

Identifying lice

Lice can be identified by itching or a tickling sensation of something moving within the hair. One can confirm that a person has lice by looking closely through the hair and scalp for nits, nymphs or lice. Head lice are most frequently located behind the ears and near the neckline.

Treating lice at home

Head lice must be treated as soon as they are spotted. Start by checking everyone in the family for them, then follow these steps. Remove and wash all clothing and bedding with hot water. Apply medicine according to the label instructions. If some live lice are still found eight to 12 hours after treatment, but are moving more slowly than before, do not re-treat. Comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair using a fine-toothed comb.
After the initial treatment, check for, comb and remove nits and lice from hair every two to three days. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 10 minutes.Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay.

Courtesy Dr Vishal Rajmal Mehta, specialist paediatrics, RAK Hospital

The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201.8-litre%204-cyl%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E190hp%20at%205%2C200rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20320Nm%20from%201%2C800-5%2C000rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeven-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206.7L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh111%2C195%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
How the bonus system works

The two riders are among several riders in the UAE to receive the top payment of £10,000 under the Thank You Fund of £16 million (Dh80m), which was announced in conjunction with Deliveroo's £8 billion (Dh40bn) stock market listing earlier this year.

The £10,000 (Dh50,000) payment is made to those riders who have completed the highest number of orders in each market.

There are also riders who will receive payments of £1,000 (Dh5,000) and £500 (Dh2,500).

All riders who have worked with Deliveroo for at least one year and completed 2,000 orders will receive £200 (Dh1,000), the company said when it announced the scheme.

yallacompare profile

Date of launch: 2014

Founder: Jon Richards, founder and chief executive; Samer Chebab, co-founder and chief operating officer, and Jonathan Rawlings, co-founder and chief financial officer

Based: Media City, Dubai 

Sector: Financial services

Size: 120 employees

Investors: 2014: $500,000 in a seed round led by Mulverhill Associates; 2015: $3m in Series A funding led by STC Ventures (managed by Iris Capital), Wamda and Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority; 2019: $8m in Series B funding with the same investors as Series A along with Precinct Partners, Saned and Argo Ventures (the VC arm of multinational insurer Argo Group)

ZAYED SUSTAINABILITY PRIZE
If you go

The flights
There are various ways of getting to the southern Serengeti in Tanzania from the UAE. The exact route and airstrip depends on your overall trip itinerary and which camp you’re staying at. 
Flydubai flies direct from Dubai to Kilimanjaro International Airport from Dh1,350 return, including taxes; this can be followed by a short flight from Kilimanjaro to the Serengeti with Coastal Aviation from about US$700 (Dh2,500) return, including taxes. Kenya Airways, Emirates and Etihad offer flights via Nairobi or Dar es Salaam.   

Updated: October 12, 2022, 10:18 AM
Marvel UniverseGamingDisneyAbu Dhabi