Sharjah Animation and Comics Conference 2026 unveils immersive creative experiences
The region's premier animation and comics gathering expands its offerings with interactive dubbing, artist collaborations, trading card marketplaces and gaming activations
The Sharjah Animation and Comics Conference (SACC 2026) is preparing an expansive programme of interactive experiences when it returns to Aljada from 22 to 25 October, designed to engage both seasoned professionals and aspiring creatives across animation, comics and related entertainment fields.
The conference has introduced several new zones and experiences that deepen audience engagement with the creative industries. A Dubbing Corner invites visitors to step into a professional recording studio environment, where they can experience voice acting under the guidance of Tala Tourgan, whose family is renowned for its contributions to Arabic dubbing and voice performance. Participants will work with professional-grade equipment including microphone, headphones and audio interface whilst performing selected scenes, gaining practical insight into both the artistic and technical dimensions of the craft.
Artist Alley represents a significant addition, creating direct pathways between regional and local creators and SACC audiences. Artists will showcase and sell their work throughout the conference, whilst simultaneously presenting their portfolio to industry professionals in attendance, fostering meaningful connections within the creative community.
A dedicated Trading Card Game Zone brings together seven specialist vendors, establishing a marketplace for collectors to browse, purchase and exchange cards in a curated environment. Complementing this, the new Comic Wall presents a curated selection of rare and vintage comics assembled in collaboration with private collectors, offering enthusiasts a dedicated destination to explore valuable and historically significant works.
The Meet the Artist programme connects visitors directly with featured international artists, offering opportunities to view their portfolios, engage in conversation and acquire commissioned pieces. These interactions extend into workshops and masterclasses led by the same professionals, enabling aspiring and emerging creatives to receive mentorship and industry guidance from established practitioners in animation and comics.
Gaming experiences have been substantially expanded, encompassing guided board game sessions, arcade and console gaming, daily challenges and competitive esports tournaments featuring titles such as EA Sports FC 27, Tekken 8 and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, with Game Masters facilitating sessions throughout the event.
Commenting on these expansions, Khoula Al Mujaini, Executive Director of SACC, emphasised the conference’s commitment to supporting creators across all stages of professional development. “As the region’s animation and comics community grows, we are expanding SACC to bring creators, industry professionals and audiences together,” she stated, noting that the enhanced programme reflects the community’s broadening interests whilst providing visitors with opportunities to explore emerging fields and discover new creative interests.
Source: WAM