The Middle East is where East meets West. In recent years, the region has cultivated film animation and comics into a most welcomed pop culture. Middle East Film and Comic Convention, as one of the most popular events, was held over the weekend in Dubai.

Cosplay is a highlight on the show. A lot of cosplayers have gathered here, catching eyesight, competing for prizes and making friends.

Cosplay is a highlight on the show

"You meet a lot of new people. Most of my friends here I met in previous comic cons. And we are here together dressing up as a group. So yeah, comic con is a great place to meet awesome people with the same ideas," said Mohamed Nazer, cosplayer.

The event has brought together celebrities, exhibitors, art and gaming entertainment from more than 30 countries and regions, attracting tens of thousands of fans and visitors.

"There has been a lot of growth happening. You can see that every year comic con here becoming much more crowded than the previous year. So record sales year on year, in terms of attendance, in terms of number of guests coming from abroad," said Omar Al-Bahiti, Commanding Officer, 501st Legion.

Comic culture booming in the Middle East

An increasing number of local artists have been devoted into the comic creation in recent years. This girl from Saudi Arabia has her own vision and mission towards the cause.

"My name’s Ameera, I’m from Saudi Arabia. I come every year to the Comic Con and show my work. It’s a bit difficult to find jobs in Saudi Arabia. I’m trying hard to make the Artists Committee support it in Saudi Arabia. I would like to spread art around in my own country," said Ameera Sheikh, Saudi Arabian Illustrator.

The United Arab Emirates is deemed as a most opening country in the Middle East, but not a single comic book store could be found here back in 2012, when the first comic convention was held in a small yachting club.

At that moment nobody could tell how far it would go. But today, the convention has become a name card for the region’s pop culture.

Comic culture booming in the Middle East