Concerts, screenings, cosplay and esports take over Aljada from October 22 to 25, with pass prices and event highlights to know before you go.
Dubai: From a Toy Story screening introduced by the Pixar animators who worked on the film to a full orchestra performing music from Attack on Titan and Ponyo, the Sharjah Animation and Comics Conference (SACC) has plenty in store across four days.
The fourth edition, organised by the Sharjah Book Authority, runs at Aljada in Sharjah from Thursday, October 22, to Sunday, October 25. Formerly known as the Sharjah Animation Conference, the event has expanded to include comics, with more than 75 speakers, over 40 talks and panels, more than 55 workshops and masterclasses, and three live concerts.
Tickets and passes
Passes are selling fast, with Saturday and Sunday passes already sold out.
- Student Pass: Dh85 — includes Regular Pass benefits; a valid student ID is required.
- Regular Pass: Dh135 — covers talks, panels, screenings, concerts, the cosplay show and the show floor.
- Business Pass: Dh280 — includes business networking and a discount on paid workshops.
- Premium Pass: Dh3,000 — includes VIP benefits, three paid workshop seats and reserved concert places.
Day Passes are valid only for the date printed on them. All passes are non-transferable and non-refundable. SACC is open to visitors aged 13 and above, while workshops are restricted to adults.
Thursday, October 22: Pixar, Pakistan and film scores
The Glassworker, Pakistan’s first hand-drawn animated feature, screens at 4pm on the Main Stage, with director Usman Riaz in attendance. At 6.30pm, Toy Story will be introduced by Andrew Gordon and Doug Sweetland.
Earlier in the day, Sweetland joins Jehan Al Nasser for How Buzz Spoke Arabic. Hands-on sessions include voice acting with Tala Tourgane and chibi manga with Emirati artist Asmaa Al Remeithi.
When: Thursday, October 22, at 9pm
Where: Main Stage, Aljada, Sharjah
Price: Included with all SACC passes
The concert An Odyssey Through Iconic Film Scores features music from Superman, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, E.T., Pirates of the Caribbean, Mission: Impossible, The Greatest Showman and La La Land.
Friday, October 23: Monsters, studios and Smash Bros
There is no concert on Friday, but the daytime programme is packed. Disney veteran Robb Pratt leads a traditional 2D animation session, special effects artist Theodore Salisbury hosts Making Monsters, and Polygon Pictures CEO Shuzo Shiota looks back on the Japanese studio’s more than 40-year history.
On the Main Stage, Warner Bros.’ Arabic animated series Adventure Time: Side Quests screens at 2pm, followed by The Making of The Glassworker at 3.45pm. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate matches begin at 3.30pm.
Saturday, October 24: Cosplay, lightsabers and anime
The SACC26 Cosplay Competition offers Dh25,000 in prizes, including Dh4,500 for the solo winner and Dh6,500 for the winning duo. Registration is closed, but anyone with a pass can watch the competition.
Stunt performer Lauren Mary Kim and PeiPei Yuan lead The Art of Lightsaber Dueling, while actor and movement coach Terry Notary hosts Creature Performance and Motion Capture.
Short films from NEMO Academy screen at 12.15pm, followed by selections from the Annecy Festival at 1.30pm and works by SACC26 artists at 7.30pm, all on the Main Stage. The EA Sports FC 27 tournament kicks off at 2.30pm.
When: Saturday, October 24, at 9pm
Where: Main Stage, Aljada, Sharjah
Price: Included with all SACC passes
Echoes of Fantasy features music from Grendizer, Attack on Titan, Evangelion, KPop Demon Hunters, Lupin III, Yamato, My Neighbour Totoro and Ponyo.
Sunday, October 25: Monsters, Inc. at 25 and a Disney finale
City of Brass, a short film by Sinai.ai, screens at 3.15pm. At 4.30pm, the conference hosts the MENA premiere of Walking with Animators, a documentary featuring more than 70 animators. At 6pm, Monsters, Inc. celebrates its 25th anniversary with an introduction by Gordon and Sweetland. Check-in for the Tekken 8 tournament opens at 1pm.
When: Sunday, October 25, at 9pm
Where: Main Stage, Aljada, Sharjah
Price: Included with all SACC passes
The conference closes with Once Upon a Disney Night, featuring music from Beauty and the Beast, Hercules, Mulan, The Lion King, Tangled, Up, Aladdin, Cinderella, The Little Mermaid and Pocahontas.
Across all four days
New additions this year include Artist Alley, where regional and local artists sell original work; a TCG Zone featuring seven trading card vendors; a Dubbing Corner; an Arcade Arena; and board game sessions led by Game Masters. Daily Just Dance, F1 Time Trial and Pac-Man challenges also offer prizes.
Workshops and concert entry
Most workshops must be booked separately through the SACC agenda. Each workshop booking includes full SACC access for that day, including the evening concert.
Concert entry is on a first-come, first-served basis. Premium Pass holders have reserved places until 10 minutes before the performance begins. The hall is cleared before each concert, and anyone who leaves will lose their place. If the venue reaches capacity, the concert will be streamed on screens outside.
Know before you go
Bring your pass QR code and photo ID matching your booking. Student Pass holders must also carry a valid student ID. Check SACC’s social media pages for the latest updates.
