From April 18 to 20, I had the joy of returning to the Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC) in Abu Dhabi. This year marked my second time attending—and unlike last year, where I shared a booth with a friend, I tabled solo in the Artist Alley. It was a completely different experience, and honestly? I loved every second of it.
Being on my own this time allowed me to fully showcase my art, my brand, and the stories behind my work. There’s something deeply rewarding about having your own table—every interaction, every sale, and every compliment felt personal and direct. And while I did well last year, this time I could feel the momentum building even more. The connections I made, the feedback I received, and the energy at my table were all incredibly motivating. I know I’m on the right track, and I expect to do even better in the near future.
The Artist Alley itself was filled with so much talent it was almost overwhelming—in the best way. Every time I walked around, I found myself wishing I could support all the amazing artists around me. Their styles, their passion, their creativity—it was incredibly inspiring. If I could, I would’ve taken a little something from each table! But with an overseas convention coming up next month in London, I had to be mindful of my savings. Still, I made some notes and definitely have a wishlist for the future.
MEFCC was not just a con—it was a reminder of how powerful community and creativity can be. I left feeling tired but fulfilled, and more focused than ever on growing and improving.
To everyone who stopped by my table, chatted with me, or supported my work—thank you. Your kindness means the world. And to the artists I met: keep doing what you do. You lit a fire in me.
✈️ Travel & Accommodation
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Flight origin & destination: from Kuwait to UAE Abu Dhabi cost 80 KD ( 260$) plus 25 KD ( 81$ )for extra weight
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Airline: Etihad Airline
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Hotel name & location: Aloft Hotel
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Nights stayed: 6 nights
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Total hotel cost: 375 KD ( 1,222$ )plus breakfast
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Transportation (e.g., taxi, ride-share): my dad pay those but I would say spending less than 80 KD ( 260$ )on all 7 days
🎨 Artist Alley Table
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Table cost: 175 KD ( 571$ )per table and I got two since I have so much to show
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Type (Artist Alley or full booth): Artist Alley
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Amount of stock brought: 15 to 20 stickers per designs, 10 keychains per designs, 10 Black butler standees, 5 LEDS standees, 10 sticker book, 6 note books, 5 sweatshirts also 5 to 10 per art prints
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Display/setup notes: Cube Storage Organizer, backdrop stand, dish rack for note book and print display, I custom design display for keychains and charms, wooden display fro stickers
💰 Sales & Spending
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Total sales: I wont say how much. but I did sold out of stickers, few keychains, all LEDS standees and few from black butler half of total prints
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Best-selling item(s): LEDS and few other cant remember
🎁 Purchases & Wishlist
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Artists you bought from (name + item): this time I did get to buy from artist since I need to save up T_T
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Total spent on other artists or merch: I did get two art book from book store around 30 KD ( 97$ )and I got back bag in the return flight cost 60 KD ( 195$ )
📅 Event Notes
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Favorite moment or interaction: I love it whenever someone recognize few characters and we chat about them also when compliment my art print specially the original one and we share tips and tricks also when got few products and share it on instagram just Thank you soooo much ✨✨✨
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Challenges faced: leaving the table to get brick since Im solo but thank god for my neighbor who watched over my table and my dad who sat there some time thought he let few people behind the table because he doesn't know English. other thing was cash and payment method. thought I have a way for customers to pay online but most of them this year were scared to fill in the info they prefer apple pay or cash and for the cash I run out of small chains thought I did bring what I thought was enough
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What you’d improve for next con: so for next year I booked one table so less to spend I would also try to be creative with my products and not sure what els to say
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Overall feeling compared to last year: I love MEFCC yes the income was the same but over all it was exiting to attend be part of it and meet new artist and connect with fans of same genre
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Next convention attending: April 2026
Next stop: London!