Best of Middle East Film and Comic Con 2017 in Dubai – in pictures

People came dressed as famous comic and movie heroes and heroines from all over the world. Pawan Singh / The National

Gaming may have overtaken comics in the popularity stakes of the young at heart – but it is the much-loved characters who remain central to the annual festival’s runaway success. Pawan Singh / The National

Vistors play a Batman arcade game. Pawan Singh / The National

Much was on offer for the legions of fans looking to snap up original artwork and movie memorabilia, with more than 300 exhibitors across the show floor, shop and ship comics village, Manga town and Dubai culture artists’ alley. Pawan Singh / The National

Comic book conventions first began in San Diego in the 1970s, and have since been flourished globally and in Dubai since 2012. Pawan Singh / The National

Visitors take some time out. Pawan Singh / The National

Kids enjoy the Lego stand. Pawan Singh / The National

There was interesting choice of headwear on show. Pawan Singh / The National

A display of comic book figures at Comic Con 2017. Pawan Singh / The National

MEFCC is the region’s largest pop culture festival and the only large-scale consumer event for fans of comics, film and gaming entertainment on offer in the Middle East.