Fans to Meet Wrestling Legend and Hollywood Star at ADNEC’s Pop-Culture Festival.
Dubai: WWE legend and Hollywood star John Cena is set to travel to Abu Dhabi this month for the highly anticipated Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC) 2026.
The 17-time world wrestling champion and global pop-culture icon will headline the region’s biggest pop-culture festival when it returns to ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi this September.
Cena will appear at the convention on September 12 and 13, giving fans across the UAE an opportunity to see the WWE superstar-turned-Hollywood actor and, potentially, meet him in person.
He joins an impressive celebrity line-up that includes Mackenyu, who portrays Roronoa Zoro in Netflix’s One Piece, and Finnish actor Joonas Suotamo, widely recognised for playing Chewbacca in the Star Wars sequel trilogy.
For wrestling fans, John Cena is a name that needs no introduction. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he has become one of WWE’s most recognisable stars, known for his iconic “You Can’t See Me” catchphrase and a record 17 world championship victories.
But Cena’s success extends far beyond the wrestling ring.
After transitioning into acting, he built a successful Hollywood career across superhero films, action franchises and comedies. His film credits include The Suicide Squad, the Fast & Furious franchise, Bumblebee, Barbie and Superman. His portrayal of Peacemaker has also established him as a prominent figure in the comic-book world.
Cena’s achievements stretch beyond wrestling and film. He holds a Guinness World Record for granting the most wishes through the Make-A-Wish Foundation by an individual. He has also authored children’s books, worked as a television producer and narrator, and released a rap album titled You Can’t See Me.
His upcoming appearance in Abu Dhabi adds another major name to the MEFCC 2026 line-up, bringing plenty of star power to this year’s festival.
More celebrity announcements are expected in the lead-up to the convention.
Meet John Cena in Abu Dhabi
MEFCC will return to Abu Dhabi from September 11 to 13 at ADNEC Centre, with John Cena scheduled to appear on September 12 and 13.
Through the festival’s Meet the Stars zone, fans will have the opportunity to meet international celebrities, attend signings, take photographs and hear from their favourite stars during exclusive conversations.
The three-day event will offer much more than celebrity appearances. MEFCC brings together movies, television, anime, manga, gaming, comics and collectibles in one place. Visitors can look forward to celebrity panels, cosplay competitions, gaming tournaments, film screenings, interactive workshops, merchandise and a wide range of comic-book experiences.
Now in its 14th edition, MEFCC has established itself as the Middle East’s largest pop-culture festival, drawing more than 46,000 fans.
The event is also part of the Abu Dhabi Calendar, which features a year-round programme of entertainment, cultural and lifestyle events.
MEFCC 2026 ticket prices
VIP tickets have already sold out, but standard admission tickets are still available.
A one-day pass costs AED 160 for Friday, AED 190 for Saturday and AED 160 for Sunday. Visitors can also opt for a three-day weekend pass priced at AED 390.
Children aged six and under can enter for free, while tickets for children aged seven to 11 are available for AED 50 at the door.
Middle East Film & Comic Con 2026
Where: ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi
When: September 11–13, 2026
John Cena appearances: September 12 and 13
Tickets: From AED 160
