Simu Liu joins Middle East Film & Comic Con lineup

Marvel star Simu Liu has joined the lineup of celebrities attending this year’s Middle East Film & Comic Con. (AFP)
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Updated 10 February 2026
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Simu Liu joins Middle East Film & Comic Con lineup

DUBAI: Marvel star Simu Liu has joined the lineup of celebrities attending this year’s Middle East Film & Comic Con, set to run from April 24-26 in Abu Dhabi.

Best known for his role as Shang-Chi in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Chinese-Canadian actor, writer and executive producer became Marvel Studios’ first Asian lead superhero with the release of “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” in 2021. His other screen credits include the CBC television series “Kim’s Convenience” and a supporting role in the 2023 smash hit “Barbie.”

According to organisers, attendees will have the opportunity to meet Liu during scheduled appearances, including photo sessions and autograph signings.

He joins previously announced guest Christopher Judge, as well as two comic industry figures newly confirmed for the event. Italian comic book artist Federico Vicentini will appear as part of the Comic Creators Club, a section of the convention dedicated to illustrators, writers and other creatives. Vicentini’s recent work includes titles such as “Amazing Spider-Man,” “Wolverine” and “Falcon & Winter Soldier.”

Also joining the lineup is US comic book artist Brett Breeding, who has nearly five decades of experience in the industry. Breeding is known for his inking work on major characters including Superman, Spider-Man and Thor, alongside projects in photography and voice acting.

The convention will feature returning zones such as the Gaming Arena, Bookworm Lounge, Tabletop Zone and Collectors Gallery, alongside a new Otaku District focused on modern Asian pop culture, including anime and K-Pop.


Coach taps Elyanna for Spring 2026 campaign

Updated 18 February 2026
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Coach taps Elyanna for Spring 2026 campaign

  • Chilean Palestinian singer also fronted firm last year
  • Star has made a donation to World Food Programme

DUBAI: Chilean Palestinian singer Elyanna is fronting yet another campaign for Coach, this time an “Express Your Many Sides” Spring 2026 initiative unfolding exclusively in the Middle East.

Across the campaign images, the focus is placed on the US fashion house’s leather bags, shown in a range of shapes and sizes.

Elyanna is pictured carrying the Tabby 26, distinguished by its structured flap silhouette and signature metal “C” hardware, presented in a warm maple tone.

Across the campaign images, the focus is placed on the US fashion house’s leather bags, shown in a range of shapes and sizes. (Instagram)

Other styles include a compact shoulder bag with a curved profile and a larger, softer leather bag designed to sit under the arm. The bags appear in smooth and lightly grained leather finishes, styled in both light and darker colorways.

In the images, Elyanna’s wardrobe is kept understated to complement the accessories. She wears lightweight layers, including fitted long-sleeve tops paired with sleeveless vests and fluid trousers in neutral shades.

She also appears in a sheer, pale green dress layered over a long-sleeve base, patterned with small heart motifs.

In the images, Elyanna’s wardrobe is kept understated to complement the accessories. (Instagram)

Last year, Elyanna was the face of Coach’s Ramadan 2025 campaign. She was seen against a desert-inspired backdrop, styled in pieces that blended contemporary fashion with cultural influences.

The music sensation also carried Coach’s signature handbags, each featuring the gold chain accents.

Elyanna said in a statement: “Working with Coach again felt natural because it’s a brand I love and connect with in terms of lifestyle and expression.

“We’re aligned in our values, and it was great to be a part of it again for another year because it continues to reflect that alignment. I was also able to donate to the World Food Programme through our partnership once more, which means so much to me.”

Elyanna has been normalizing Arabic lyrics in the Western world throughout her career, taking inspiration from artists including Lana Del Ray and Beyonce, as well as Middle Eastern legend Fayrouz.

The Los Angeles-based singer’s music is a mix of Arabic and Western beats, which she attributes to her multicultural upbringing.

Her debut album “Woledto,” released in 2024, featured nine songs: “Woledto,” “Ganeni,” “Calling U,” “Al Sham,” “Mama Eh,” “Kon Nafsak,” “Lel Ya Lel,” “Yabn El Eh” and “Sad in Pali.”