Connecting with people who share a love for pop culture in the UAE has become easier than ever. What started as a casual toy-swapping event in a restaurant a decade ago has grown into one of the UAE’s most exciting pop culture communities.
Hobby Nation UAE now unites over 4,000 members passionate about anime, comics, video games, cosplay, and more. This journey highlights how shared interests can build strong, meaningful relationships.
Humble Beginnings
Hobby Nation began with a simple idea: bringing friends together to share their love for pop culture. Founder Faisal Q shared: “Hobby Nation started with friends trading toys and hosting our first event in a restaurant ten years ago. From those small beginnings, it has grown into a lively community that celebrates every corner of geek and pop culture.”
From its modest start, the group has made big strides. In 2016, they began live-streaming pop culture discussions, and in 2019, they partnered with brands like Laban UP to host interactive events, such as a Marvel-themed meme game. By 2023, they collaborated with Rove Hotels to organize their first open event, attracting over 1,000 attendees.
A Welcoming Space for All
According to Trina Angeles-Korb, Head of Operations and Events at Hobby Nation, the group’s mission is clear. She explains: “We aim to create a community where fans of pop culture can connect and feel at home, whether they love comics, anime, movies, TV shows, cosplay, or video games. Our goal is to support creativity, celebrate diversity, and help people form real friendships.”
Trina adds that the group measures its success through community engagement: “We look at event attendance, participation, and the feedback we receive. Seeing people connect and express their creativity in a sustainable way is the real reward.”
The Power of Community
With the UAE’s mix of cultures, Hobby Nation bridges the gap between locals and expats. Kevin Sebastian, Head of Content, highlights its importance: “The UAE is a melting pot, and pop culture helps people connect. Whether it’s comics, anime, or cosplay, these shared interests break cultural barriers and create lasting bonds.”
Hobby Nation’s approach encourages collaboration across different hobbies, from board games to cosplay. This helps members find “their people” while appreciating the region’s diverse backgrounds.
Voices from the Community
For many, Hobby Nation is more than just a group. Member Oleksandra Neschetna says: “The events bring more people together, and there’s always demand for more gatherings to meet like-minded fans.” Founder Faisal reflects:
“One of the most important outcomes is the friendships formed along the way. Meeting people who share similar interests leads to lifelong connections.”
A Celebration of Cosplay
One standout feature of Hobby Nation is its thriving cosplay community, which now includes over 100 active participants. Cosplay involves dressing up as characters from anime, movies, games, and comics, and it has become a core part of Hobby Nation’s events.
The Hobby Nation Cosplay Team shares: “Cosplay lets young people express themselves. Our community offers a platform to learn, connect, and grow.”
Creating costumes can cost anywhere from a few hundred dirhams to thousands, depending on the materials and complexity. Even with challenges like high shipping costs for specialized items, cosplayers in the UAE remain dedicated, putting in time and effort to perfect their creations.
Through workshops, competitions, and themed events, Hobby Nation supports cosplayers in honing their skills and gaining recognition. From intricate costumes to live performances, their gatherings provide a stage for creativity and inclusivity.
Looking Ahead
Hobby Nation’s decade-long journey is a testament to the strength of shared passions. As Faisal shares: “People always ask for more and provide feedback on how we can improve.”
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Hobby Nation continues to thrive as a welcoming space where pop culture fans can connect, create, and belong. Faisal concludes: “It’s about bringing people together and making everyone feel at home that’s what Hobby Nation is all about.”
