Sandbox Swapmeet draws growing crowds to Dubai World Trade Centre

Four-day fandom gathering

Sandbox Swapmeet is under way at Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together collectors, gamers, comic book enthusiasts and cosplayers for a four-day event focused on pop culture.

The programme features comics, manga, anime, gaming, trading cards, retro toys, art and cosplay activities, with tournaments, screenings and retro arcade experiences also included.

The home-grown convention is expected to attract more than 16,000 visitors before it finishes on Sunday.

Organisers say this is the biggest edition so far, with a broader stage programme and a larger community presence.

The event has developed across multiple editions in Dubai, expanding from a niche marketplace for collectors and enthusiasts into a major regional convention.

Its move to Dubai World Trade Centre marks a step up in scale for the event.

The convention now sits among larger entertainment and fan gatherings in the UAE as interest in comics, gaming, anime and collectibles continues to grow.

Community-led identity

A key part of Sandbox Swapmeet’s identity is its strong support for UAE-based collecting circles, independent creators and fan groups.

Alongside sellers and retail booths, the event makes room for hobbyists, retro gaming fans, toy photographers, customisers and up-and-coming illustrators who may not usually be at the centre of major convention line-ups.

That community-first approach has remained central as the event has grown.

Founded as a gathering shaped by collectors and enthusiasts, Sandbox Swapmeet has kept that grassroots character while expanding its audience and programme.

The mix of activities also reflects the wider rise of fandom culture in the region.

Anime screenings, trading card competitions and retro gaming communities have grown quickly in recent years, especially among younger audiences and collectors looking for in-person spaces to meet other fans.

Sandstorm Comics leads sponsor line-up

One of the headline attractions this year is Abu Dhabi-based Sandstorm Comics, which has joined as title sponsor.

The studio is showcasing original works including Solarblader, All Upon a Time, Wrath of the Feral and Space Scavengers.

It is also presenting children’s books through its Little Storm imprint.

Mo Abedin, editor-in-chief of Sandstorm Comics, said the event offers a valuable way to engage with the comic and pop culture audience in the UAE.

He also linked support for events like this to the development of a creative environment where stories made in Abu Dhabi can grow alongside globally known characters and franchises.

Sandstorm Comics’ presence adds to the event’s mix of local creative talent, fan experiences and commercial activity.

Its participation helps underline the convention’s role as a meeting point for both established names and emerging voices in the UAE pop culture scene.

Tickets and outlook

Single-day tickets for Sandbox Swapmeet start at Dh35, while four-day passes are priced at Dh100.

With attendance projected to exceed 16,000, the event is among the UAE’s fastest-growing pop culture conventions.

Over four days, the convention combines comics, collectibles, gaming and cosplay with a growing base of collectors, artists and fans.

As Sandbox Swapmeet continues to expand in Dubai, it reflects the broader momentum behind fandom events in the UAE and the region.