PopCon, a huge three-day pop-culture festival, is coming to Dubai for the first time this year. The event, which combines music, movies, comics, anime, fashion and lifestyle trends, will be held in a purpose-built complex at Dubai Outlet Mall from October 27 to 29.
The full line-up of guests and exhibitors is yet to be announced but the programme is expected to include live concerts, comedy performances, workshops, expert talks and a Cosplay competition.
Running concurrently to PopCon will be the Hallowen-themed festival Fiesta De Los Muertos (Festival of the Dead), which will take place at the same location on October 28). Families and fans of all ages are welcome and encouraged to dress up as their favourite hero or villain.
Organisers say a diverse range of celebrities – from international film studios including Marvel, Disney and San Rio – will attend and meet fans.
Universal Events launched its first Asia Pop ComicCon event in Manila last year, with Hollywood celebrities like actors Colton Haynes (Arrow, Teen Wolf), Paul Bettany (Avengers: Age of Ultron) and actress Natalie Emmanuel (Game of Thrones, Furious 7) appearing. The second edition will take place next month.
“Given our choices of where to build our new branded event, Dubai presented itself as the perfect city to host PopCon, with its wonderful mix of cultures and thus diverse interests in pop culture,” said Mohammed Khammas, chief executive of Al Ahli Holding Group. “We will fuse together the biggest stars and biggest brands in the world of movies, music, beauty, fashion and social media, and by utilising some of our unique and PopCon-relevant group assets and capabilities, will make this truly an unforgettable annual event. Watch out for a thrilling event beyond your wildest imagination.”
PopCon will join a crowded field in the UAE, including the annual Middle East Film and Comic Con, which already attracts around 60,000 eager movie and comic fans to Dubai World Trade Centre every April. Past guests have included Star Trek legend William Shatner and the X-Files' Gillian Anderson; the IGN Convention, which relocated from Dubai to Abu Dhabi last year, and the forthcoming October debut of the Yas Island-based Ani:me event, which will bring the best of Japanese and global animation to eager fans.
Further details are expected in the coming months. Register at www.117live.com for more information and ticket details.
rduane@thenational.ae
