You can’t see him? You will in Abu Dhabi as John Cena joins MEFCC 2026
The wrestling icon will meet fans during the three-day pop culture festival
ABU DHABI – John Cena is heading to Abu Dhabi, bringing his wrestling legacy and Hollywood stardom to the Middle East Film & Comic Con 2026.
The WWE champion turned actor has been added to the celebrity line-up for the much-anticipated pop culture festival at ADNEC Centre. Fans will have the chance to see Cena in person during the event on September 12 and 13.
The annual Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC) will take place from September 11 to 13, welcoming more than 46,000 fans for a celebration spanning film, television, sci-fi, anime, manga, gaming, comics and collectibles.
Cena, whose iconic “You can’t see me” catchphrase became a defining part of his WWE persona, will headline the celebrity attractions at this year’s festival. His appearance marks a major addition to an already star-studded programme featuring actors from some of the biggest franchises in entertainment.
Star line-up
The 17-time wrestling World Champion joins Mackenyu, known for his role as Zoro in Netflix’s One Piece, and Joonas Suotamo, the Finnish actor who portrayed Chewbacca across the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy and played Lurch in Netflix’s Wednesday.
Cena's career has stretched well beyond the wrestling ring. He began as a professional bodybuilder and later worked as a limousine driver in Massachusetts before establishing himself as one of WWE’s biggest stars.
His transition into Hollywood turned him into a global action-comedy name, with appearances across major film franchises and blockbuster productions. His film credits include The Suicide Squad, Fast & Furious, Barbie, Bumblebee and Superman, alongside numerous leading and cameo roles.
At MEFCC 2026, fans will be able to get closer to the celebrities through the festival’s Meet the Stars zone. The experience offers opportunities for exclusive signings, photographs and conversations with participating stars.
Cena is scheduled to appear on both September 12 and 13, giving fans across the festival’s weekend programme an opportunity to catch the WWE icon and Hollywood star in Abu Dhabi.
Ticket details
Tickets for MEFCC 2026 are already selling quickly, with VIP tickets sold out and standard admission still available.
Children aged six and under can enter free, while tickets for children aged seven to 11 are priced at Dh50 at the door.
For adults and older attendees, a one-day Friday pass costs Dh160, while Saturday admission is priced at Dh190. A one-day Sunday pass costs Dh160, with a three-day weekend pass available for Dh390.
The festival opens from 3pm to 11pm on Friday, September 11. On Saturday and Sunday, doors remain open from noon until 11pm.