PopCon Middle East – An epic celebration of pop culture
- PopCon Middle East Overview
- Activities at PopCon Middle East
- PopCon Middle East 2022 Location, Dates and Timings
- PopCon Middle East Schedule
- PopCon Middle East 2022 Tickets
Pop culture fans, get your geek on as the Middle East’s “biggest” pop culture and gaming event – PopCon – is taking place in Dubai this November. The convention will celebrate numerous aspects of pop culture and fandom, with interactive entertainment options aplenty and an array of A-listers in attendance. If you want to enjoy four days full of fun, here’s a complete guide to PopCon Dubai.
Please note that we will update the information in this article as per official announcements from the event organisers.
ABOUT POPCON MIDDLE EAST 2022
The highly-anticipated pop culture convention, Popcon Middle East (also known as PopCon ME/PopCon UAE) is a part of the Dubai Esports Festival (DEF 2022). The event will take place over four days, from 10th – 13th November 2022 in Expo City, Dubai.
Without further ado, let’s learn about PopCon 2022.
TOP ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS AT POPCON DUBAI ESPORTS FESTIVAL 2022
The upcoming PopCon 2022 will be a buzzing hive of activity so if you want to catch all the action, check out this list of top events at PopCon Middle East.
MEET AND GREET WITH CELEBRITIES
HIGH-PROFILE ACTORS AND A-LISTERS
CHRIS HEMSWORTH
Are you a fan of Thor? You’re in for a treat at PopCon as the Thor-famed actor, Chris Hemsworth is coming to the star-studded event.
Rising to prominence playing Thor in 9 MCU movies, Hemsworth has also starred in Star Trek, Red Dawn, Blackhat, Ghostbusters, Men in Black: International and Extraction. If you plan to visit PopCon, don’t forget to click a selfie or get an autograph from him.
MILLY ALCOCK
Calling all House of the Dragon fans! You will be happy to know that Milly Alcock — the actor who plays the role of the young Rhaenyra Targaryen — will be joining other high-profile celebrities at the PopCon. Don’t forget to meet her!
Who knows she may repeat her iconic dialogue – “When I’m queen, I will create a new order” for you! Aside from the House of Dragons, the Australian star is known for her roles in Pine Gap and Janet King.
KIT HARRINGTON
Known for essaying the character of Jon Snow in the HBO epic fantasy TV show, Game of Thrones (GoT), Kit Harrington, is another celebrity coming to Dubai for PopCon Middle East.
Harrington made his debut in 2009 with the role of “Albert Narracott in the West End Play War Horse” but it’s GoT that earned him worldwide recognition.
He has earned two nominations for Primetime Emmy Awards and one for the Golden Globe Award…yet our beloved Jon Snow is notorious for “knowing nothing”! (Pun intended)
GIANCARLO ESPOSITO
Remember Gustavo “Gus” Fring (Giancarlo Esposito) from the popular crime drama series, Breaking Bad? PopCon 2022 gives you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet him! So, don’t miss this chance to talk to him about the show and its prequel series Better Call Saul at Popcon.
Esposito is an award-winning actor. He has a Critics’ Choice Television Award and three nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award to his credit.
STEPHEN AMELL
Stephen Amell is another high-profile celebrity hitting PopCon. He is a Canadian actor, best known for the role of “Oliver Queen” / “Green Arrow” in the Arrowverse television franchise. He has also essayed the role of “Casey Jones” in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows.
KATIE CASSIDY
Widely appreciated for her accomplished performances across a range of roles, Katie Cassidy has catapulted to fame for her role as “Black Canary” in Arrow. She has also appeared in cinematic ventures like Gossip Girl, Supernatural, When a Stranger Calls and Harper’s Island.
CENGIZ COSKUN
Highly regarded for his performance as “Turgut Alp” in the Turkish TV show Diriliş: Ertuğrul, Cengiz Coşkun will join other A-listers at PopCon 2022. Coşkun has also appeared as a male lead in Malazgirt 1071 in 2020.
ROSS MARQUAND
Ross Marquand, your favourite “Aaron” from The Walking Dead is also coming to PopCon in November 2022. He is known for playing the roles of Marvel’s most notorious villains – Red Skull and Ultron.
ALEX LIVINALLI
With a successful career of nearly two decades, actor Alex Livinalli has garnered fans from all over the world. He has appeared in many notable television series and feature films, including Ozark, The Walking Dead, Alita: Battle Angel and American Horror Story among others. He will next be seen essaying the character of “Attuma” in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
JULIAN GLOVER
The highly-regarded English classical actor, Julian Wyatt Glover will also join the event to interact with his fans.
Glover has worked in many well-known films including The Empire Strikes Back and The Last Crusade. He has also voiced the large venomous acromantula spider, Aragog, in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002).
CARA BUONO
Who doesn’t know Cara Buono! She has recently been seen as “Karen Wheeler” in the uber-popular Sci-fi series – Stranger Things. However, she is most remembered for her roles as “Dr Faye Miller” in the fourth season of Mad Men and “Kelli Moltisanti” in the sixth season of The Sopranos.
ALEC UTGOFF
Alec Utgoff is a popular British actor who essayed the role of “Aleksandr Borovsky” in Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit and “Alexei” in the Netflix hit TV series, Stranger Things.
COMIC BOOK WRITERS, ILLUSTRATORS AND COSPLAYERS AT THE ARTISTS’ GALLERY
MARC GUGGENHEIM
The popular American screenwriter, producer and novelist, Marc Guggenheim is another celebrity coming to PopCon Dubai. He has created projects like Eli Stone, Arrow and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow and has written the scripts of feature films like Green Lantern and Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters.
MIKE GRELL
Mike Grell is another comic book writer attending the highly anticipated pop-culture event. He is known for his work on The Warlord, Jon Sable, Green Lantern and Green Arrow.
Whether you read comics or want to write one, you can meet Mike to gain insights into his creative process or get some tips.
JOHN ROMITA JR.
Born in 1956, John Romita Jr. is a US-based comics artist known for his extensive contribution to Marvel Comics from the 1970s. He made his debut with a six-page story called “Chaos at the Coffee Bean!”, which got published in The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #11.
So far, he has worked on many Marvel titles including Daredevil: The Man Without Fear and the Thor series. You can have a brief discussion with him at the event.
DAVID FINCH
David Finch is another comics artist coming to PopCon. If you’re into comics, you must have read some of his work too. He has created numerous titles for Marvel and DC Comics such as The New Avengers, Ultimatum, Moon Knight and Brightest Day. Have a tete-a-tete with him at the event.
SCOTT HANNA
With an experience of over 30 years, Scott Hanna is an award-winning comic artist. He has worked on all top characters at Marvel Comics, including Iron Man, The Hulk, The X-Men and Avengers.
He also teaches sequential art, drawing, cartooning and painting. If you’re into doodling, you can ask him for some tips in a one-on-one meet-and-greet session.
CAVIN LAM
Cavin Lam is a Hong Kong-based up-and-coming costume designer and cosplayer. He has designed a costume of Spider-Man. Let’s see what he has in his store for visitors.
JESSE SIMON
Jesse Simon is a mural and graffiti artist who has worked on the popular crime drama, Colors. His work has been showcased in many galleries across the world.
SAM DE LA ROSA
Sam de la Rosa is a popular Marvel and DC comic book artist, most noted for his work on Spider-Man, Batman and Green Lantern. His work on “Venom Lethal Protector” was used as source material for the movie, Venom.
AFUA NJOKI RICHARDSON
Afua Njoki Richardson is a brilliant illustrator who has worked on the Eisner award-winning Marvel comic series, Captain Marvel and Black Panther World of Wakanda.
She is one of the few African-American female comic artists to work as an inker, colourist and penciler for Marvel, DC, and Image comics. She is best known for the Emmy award-winning series, Lovecraft Country.
ANIME ARTISTS AT ZEN VILLAGE
BRIAN M HOLDER
Have you played the recently-released game, Sins of Black Adam? Well… Brian M Holder — the guy who voiced the character of the wizard Shazam in the game is coming to PopCon Middle East.
Brian M Holder is an actor and a casting director for LazuArts Entertainment, a dubbing studio in the US. He has also worked as a voice artist on quite a few projects including Heike Story, the Realist Hero Who Rebuilt A Kingdom and Crunchyroll’s One Piece.
SHINICHIRO ISHIKAWA
If you’re the sort of anime geek who likes to dig up information about their favourite show, you must have heard of Shinichiro Ishikawa. He is the CEO of an Emmy award-winning Japanese studio that has created gems like Afro Samurai, Attack on Titan, G.I. Joe Sigma Six and Haikyu!. You can meet and greet him at the event!
SAMANTHA INOUE-HARTE
The veteran star, Samantha Inoue Harte, who has worked as a voice actor, anime producer, animator and casting director, will also grace PopCon 2022 to enthral you with her presence.
Samantha is most remembered for her two characters: “Kohran Li” in Sakura Wars and “Chocobo” in Final Fantasy: Unlimited. She is also featured as the wife of Black Adam in DC’s recently-released online game – Sins of Black Adam.
ENJOY A GAMING EXPO
Whether you are a pro gamer or a newbie, the gaming expo at PopCon 2022 will have you covered. The expo will offer you a chance to play your favourite console and PC games, competing against fellow gamers in tournaments.
ATTEND DOJO WORKSHOPS
Have a knack for learning? Sign up for Dojo’s workshops at PopCon. The Dojo’s workshops will teach you the fundamentals of film production, voice acting and theatrics.
BUY COLLECTIBLES FROM THE MARKETPLACE
If you have a real passion for buying pop-culture merch, you will be well-catered to at PopCon Middle East. The event will feature a marketplace comprising anime collectables, new comics, cosplay outfits and art pieces.
LET YOUR KIDS HAVE FUN AT THE CHILDREN’S ISLAND
PopCon ME will feature a children’s playground equipped with tons of facilities to keep your littluns busy. So, go ahead and enjoy your event without worrying about your kids.
ENJOY SHOWS AND SCREENINGS AT THE THEATRE
Lights, camera, action! Gear up for a unique cinematic experience at PopCon Dubai. PopCon theatre, in collaboration with VOX Cinemas, will host movie screenings, panel talks, one-on-one interviews and award ceremonies. You can watch Stranger Things, Thor: Love and Thunder and Limitless with Chris Hemsworth.
Other events include:
- Just Dance 2023
- DJ Daryl Rees’ performance
- The Boxstones Band’s performance
POPCON 2022 SCHEDULE: AUTOGRAPH SIGNING AND MEET AND GREETS
Here is the data-wise schedule* for meet and greets with celebrities at PopCon.
10TH NOVEMBER 2022
- Ray Porter
- Cara Buono
- Ming Chen
- Lochlyn Munro
- Julian Glover
- Alec Utgoff
- Ming Chen
- Lochlyn Munro
- Julian Glover
11TH NOVEMBER 2022
- Chris Hemsworth
- Ray Porter
- Cara Buono
- Alec Utgoff
- Ming Chen
- Veronica Taylor
- Osric Chau
- Sean Kanan
- Abby Trott
- Alex Livinalli
- Ross Marquand
- Cengiz Coskun
- Katie Cassidy
- Giancarlo Esposito
- Lochlyn Munro
- Julian Glover
12TH NOVEMBER 2022
- Ray Porter
- Cara Buono
- Ming Chen
- Veronica Taylor
- Osric Chau
- Sean Kanan
- Abby Trott
- Alex Livinalli
- Ross Marquand
- Cengiz Coskun
- Katie Cassidy
- Giancarlo Esposito
- Stephen Amell
- Kit Harington
- Milly Alcock
13TH NOVEMBER 2022
- Ming Chen
- Veronica Taylor
- Osric Chau
- Sean Kanan
- Abby Trott
- Alex Livinalli
- Ross Marquand
- Cengiz Coskun
- Katie Cassidy
- Giancarlo Esposito
- Stephen Amell
- Kit Harington
- Milly Alcock
*The schedule is undergoing updates. We will make changes to the schedule as soon as we get more information from PopCon’s official website.
POPCON LOCATION, DATES AND TIMINGS
- PopCon Middle East dates: 10th – 13th November 2022
- PopCon ME Location: South Halls, Expo City Dubai
- PopCon ME Timings: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
POPCON DUBAI TICKETS
PASSES FOR INDIVIDUALS
Individuals can avail of this pass to:
- Access the Main stage.
- Visit the “Artists Alley”.
- Attend Dojo workshops.
- Visit the theatre.
- Access the Zen Village.
- Access the children’s playground.
- Shop at the marketplace.
- Attend a game expo.
- Cost: AED 139 for one day, AED 249 for four days
FAMILY AND FRIENDS PASSES
This pass is specifically for family and friends. Under this pass, you can:
- Get four tickets.
- Access the Main stage.
- Visit the “Artists Alley”.
- Attend Dojo workshops.
- Visit the theatre.
- Access the Zen Village.
- Access the children’s playground.
- Shop at the marketplace.
- Attend a game expo.
- Cost: AED 399 for one day, AED 699 for four days
VIP PASS
This is a four-day pass for high-profile guests. Under this pass, you can:
- Get easy access to badges.
- Meet your favourite heroes.
- Get one autograph/photograph voucher.
- Get “Silver Circle” access to the main stage.
- Buy PopConME merchandise.
- Access the Main stage.
- Visit the “Artists Alley”.
- Attend Dojo workshops.
- Visit the theatre.
- Access the Zen Village.
- Access the children’s playground.
- Shop at the marketplace.
- Attend a game expo.
- Cost: AED 500 for four days
VVIP PASS
This is the most expensive of all passes. Under this pass, you can:
- Get fast entry on all four days.
- Get seven autographs/photograph vouchers.
- Avail yourselves of five private meet-and-greet sessions with your favourite heroes.
- Get free early delivery for badge, merch and VIP pack.
- Get “Golden Circle” access to the main stage.
- Buy PopConME merchandise.
- Access the Main stage.
- Visit the “Artists Alley”.
- Attend Dojo workshops.
- Visit the theatre.
- Access the Zen Village.
- Access the children’s playground.
- Shop at the marketplace.
- Attend a game expo.
- Cost: AED 3,500 for four days
FAQs
WHAT ARE THE DATES OF THE EVENT?
The event will be held between the 10th – 13th November 2022.
WHERE IS THE EVENT?
The event will take place in the South Halls of Dubai Expo City.
I HAVE A GENERAL INQUIRY, HOW SHOULD I CONTACT THE MANAGEMENT?
You can check their website (popconme.com) or reach out to them on Instagram (@popconme).
WILL THERE BE A FREE PARKING?
Yes, visitors can park their cars for free at Dubai Exhibition Centre.
That brings an end to our guide on PopCon Middle East. The event is just around the corner, so book your tickets today. Hope you have a great time there! And, when you’re back, share your experience with us as well.
PopCon is not the only event taking place in Dubai this month. November is abuzz with many exciting events and festivals.
Our round-up of November events in Dubai will help you keep a track of all the fun things happening in the city within the next 20 days. If you have a passion for sports, you can attend any of these sports celebrations in Dubai.
Have any questions about the upcoming events? Let us know in the comments below. We’d get back to you as soon as possible.
For more announcements and the latest updates about PopCon, stay tuned to MyBayut.
