The Alliance LLC and Yas Island announce collaboration to host the region's biggest Anime Expo and Japanese Culture Festival

• Inaugural ANI:ME event set to take place on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi 27th to 29th October 2016
• Thousands expected to experience ANI:ME’s broad variety of Japanese entertainment & pop culture right here in the Middle East

Dubai, UAE, August 22, 2016:  The Alliance, organizers of the hugely successful Middle East Film and Comic Con, and GAMES Middle East event is announcing a collaboration with Yas Island that will see the launch of ANI:ME, their third premiere project to hit the region. Taking place at du Forum, Yas Island from 27th to 29th of October, ANI:ME is expected to draw thousands of pop culture fans for what will be a celebration of Japanese entertainment & popular culture. 

Featuring some of the best Japanese anime, manga, cinema, music, games, fashion and culinary delights that make Japan a cultural sensation and a truly fascinating nation, ANI:ME will showcase content never been seen before in the region, including some of the biggest J-Pop/Rock bands, “anisong” legends, creators of some of the most popular anime and manga titles, along with voice talent, cosplayers and artists from the world of video games. Visitors will also be able to explore and experience traditional elements of Japanese culture including calligraphy, traditional sword fighting, art and amezaiku candy making in the Japan Culture Village alongside fashion, traditional and contemporary cuisine, authentic handicrafts and live demonstrations.

The ever popular art of Cosplay will also be a massive component at ANI:ME with, for the first time in the region, a competition that will send the best cosplayer from the event to Japan, to compete in the world finals of the World Cosplay Summit. 

According to organisers, ANI:ME visitors of all ages will be transported to another world where they can enjoy the unique and eclectic style of Japan, “The ANI:ME Festival will be an immersive experience, with every element, act and exhibitor encompassing the theme. So whether you want to meet some of your manga creator heroes, or just enjoy a fun and fascinating weekend, ANI:ME in October has it all covered,” commented Arafaat Ali Khan, Director of Communications at The Alliance.

As one of the region’s most dynamic entertainment destinations, Yas Island looks forward to welcoming ANI:ME 2016 for its inaugural edition,” commented Mohammed Al Zaabi, Chief Executive Officer of Miral. “Yas Island offers a vibrant year-round calendar of events across sports, music, food and culture; and is home to a diverse range of world-class attractions that together, cater a wide array of interests and ages. ANI:ME further reinforces and adds to the spirit and appeal of Yas Island, particularly amongst a creative and vibrant class of pop-culture fans.” 
 
“As a result of the massive appetite for anime and Japanese culture in the Middle East, ANI:ME intends offer die-hard fans and newbies alike the chance to gather at an event that caters to every aspect of the ever-growing pop culture phenomenon,” says Ben Caddy, CEO of The Alliance. “We hope to build the ANI:ME project in partnership with Yas Island to become a regional celebration of art, entertainment and culture and celebrate the strong ties the Middle East already has with Japan.”

Details of what will be an exciting line-up of guests, activities demonstrations and events will be announced in the coming weeks.

ANI:ME is organised by The Alliance LLC, an award-winning public events and exhibitions company producing events like the Middle East Film & Comic Con.