Anime Week 2026 in Abu Dhabi

Anime Week brings the very best of Japanese anime back to the big screen at the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi. From timeless Studio Ghibli classics to record-breaking blockbusters, the final weekend runs from 16 to 18 October 2026, with a live musical performance as the centrepiece.

It is a chance to see beloved films the way they were meant to be seen: together, in a cinema, with fellow fans.

About Anime Week in Abu Dhabi

Anime Film Week celebrates the art of Japanese animation for audiences of all ages. The line-up mixes gentle family favourites with action-packed hits.

The programme began on 14 October with Spirited Away and Dragon Ball Super: Broly. This weekend brings the remaining screenings and the special live music night.

Whether you grew up on Ghibli or only recently discovered anime, Anime Week is a warm, welcoming way to share the films you love.

What to Expect at Anime Week

Each screening has its own age guidance, so check the list below before you book.

Friday 16 October

At 4:00 PM, Ponyo (ages 5+, 101 minutes) is a perfect pick for younger fans. At 7:00 PM, Attack on Titan: The Last Attack (ages 14+, 115 minutes) brings the epic saga to the big screen.

Saturday 17 October

Laputa: Castle in the Sky (ages 8+, 124 minutes) screens at 3:00 PM. In the evening, “Anime Memories” is a live musical celebration of anime’s most iconic scores and the centrepiece of the week.

Sunday 18 October

Kiki’s Delivery Service (ages 5+, 103 minutes) plays at 3:00 PM. The week closes at 7:00 PM with One Piece Film: Red (ages 13+, 145 minutes), presented as a musical movie.

The Live Music Night

The live performance is billed as the heart of Anime Week. Expect beloved soundtracks performed live for a room full of fans.

Key Highlights

• Studio Ghibli classics: Ponyo, Laputa: Castle in the Sky and Kiki’s Delivery Service
• Big-screen blockbusters: Attack on Titan: The Last Attack and One Piece Film: Red
• “Anime Memories”, a live musical celebration of iconic anime scores
• Screenings for every age, from 5+ to 14+
• Held at the Cultural Foundation, a landmark arts venue

With family matinees and evening shows, Anime Week fits any schedule.

The Venue: Cultural Foundation

The Cultural Foundation sits on Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street (2nd Street) in central Abu Dhabi, next to the historic Qasr Al Hosn. It is one of the capital’s best-loved homes for film, theatre and the arts.

Its modern auditorium and relaxed public spaces make it a comfortable place to spend an afternoon or evening.

Getting There

The venue is in the city centre and easy to reach by taxi or car. Parking is available on site.

Visitor Tips

Here is how to plan your Anime Week visit.

Getting There & Parking

Set your navigation to the Cultural Foundation, Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum St, Abu Dhabi. Parking is on site, though weekends in the city centre can be busy.

What to Bring

Bring your ticket on your phone. A light jacket is handy, as cinema auditoriums can feel cool.

Age & Entry Policy

Age guidance is set per film: Ponyo and Kiki’s Delivery Service are 5+, Laputa is 8+, One Piece Film: Red is 13+ and Attack on Titan: The Last Attack is 14+.

Dress Code

No dress code has been announced. Casual clothing is perfect, and fans may enjoy wearing their favourite anime merch.

Arrive Early

Arrive 20 to 30 minutes before your screening to collect your seat and settle in before the lights go down.

Why Anime Week Is a Must for Fans

Watching anime at home is fun, but seeing it on the big screen with an audience is a different experience. Every laugh, gasp and cheer is shared.

Studio Ghibli films in particular are full of tiny visual details that shine in a cinema. Ponyo’s ocean, Laputa’s floating castle and Kiki’s seaside town look stunning at full scale.

For action fans, Attack on Titan: The Last Attack and One Piece Film: Red bring big sound and big emotion. One Piece Film: Red is presented as a musical movie, making it a fitting finale.

Perfect for Families

The weekend matinees are ideal for children. Ponyo and Kiki’s Delivery Service are rated 5+, so even younger fans can join in.

Older children and teens can look forward to the evening screenings, with age guidance listed for each film.

Make a Weekend of It

With screenings on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, you could catch several films across the weekend. Pair a matinee with the Saturday evening live music night for the full Anime Week experience.

The Cultural Foundation’s central location also makes it easy to grab a meal nearby before or after a film.

A Celebration of Anime Music

Anime soundtracks are loved around the world, and “Anime Memories” puts them in the spotlight. It is a rare chance in Abu Dhabi to hear these scores performed live.

Quick Answers

Where is Anime Week held?

All screenings take place at the Cultural Foundation on Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, Abu Dhabi.

When is the live music night?

“Anime Memories” takes place on the evening of Saturday 17 October 2026.

Which films suit young children?

Ponyo and Kiki’s Delivery Service are rated 5+, making them the best picks for younger fans.

Which films screen this weekend?

Ponyo, Attack on Titan: The Last Attack, Laputa: Castle in the Sky, Kiki’s Delivery Service and One Piece Film: Red, plus the “Anime Memories” live music night.