Meeting like-minded individuals with a love for pop culture has never been easier for UAE residents. What began as a simple toy-swapping event in a restaurant 10 years ago has evolved into one of the UAE’s most vibrant pop culture communities. Hobby Nation UAE has grown into a network of over 4,000 members, bringing together fans of anime, comics, video games, cosplay, and more. Its journey highlights the power of shared passions in fostering meaningful connections.
Hobby Nation’s story is rooted in friendship and a shared love of pop culture. Faisal Q, the founder of Hobby Nation, recalls: "Hobby Nation began as friends trading toys, hosting their first event in a restaurant, 10 years ago. From humble beginnings, Hobby Nation has grown into a vibrant community celebrating every aspect of geek and pop culture."
From these modest origins, the community expanded through strategic steps such as live-streaming pop culture discussions in 2016 and partnering with brands like Laban UP in 2019 to create engaging experiences like a Marvel-themed meme game. By 2023, Hobby Nation’s collaboration with Rove Hotels resulted in its first one-day open event, which drew over 1,000 visitors.
This story is from the January 01, 2025 edition of Khaleej Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 01, 2025 edition of Khaleej Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
UAE-based gamers reveal the most anticipated video games of 2025
Gaming influencers and content creators share their thoughts on the upcoming releases including Grand Theft Auto 6
Bezos's Blue Origin poised for first orbital launch next week
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos's company Blue Origin is poised to launch its first orbital rocket next week, marking a pivotal moment in the commercial space race currently dominated by Elon Musk's SpaceX.
NYC starts driver congestion charging despite opposition
Similar driver-tolling schemes have been operated for years in other megacities including London and Stockholm
Video games to watch out for
The year promises several big titles for players across platforms
Serbia says 2024 was its hottest year in history
Serbia recorded its hottest year in history in 2024, the Balcountry's meteorological office said this week.
39 bell tolls begin 6-day final national sendoff for Carter
Mourners began paying their respects to Jimmy Carter on Saturday, as a carefully choreographed six-day farewell for America's longest-lived president got underway.
Sabalenka rallies past Kudermetova for Brisbane title
Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka geared up for her title defence at the year's opening Grand Slam with a battling 4-6 6-3 6-2 win over Russian qualifier Polina Kudermetova in the final of the Brisbane International on Sunday.
Guardiola still waiting for 'old' Man City's return
No, you judge the results. We saw in many years our level. We are not at our level.\" Pep Guardiola Man City coach after his team's 4-1 win over West Ham
Unstoppable Gauff outplays Swiatek as Team USA lift United Cup title
Coco Gauff roared past Iga Swiatek to inspire team USA on Sunday before Taylor Fritz sealed the United Cup title with victory over Poland's Hubert Hurkacz in Sydney.
Two top Fed officials say job not yet done on inflation
Two Federal Reserve policymakers on Saturday said they feel the US central bank's job on taming inflation is not yet done, but also signaled they do not want to risk damaging the labor market as they try to finish that job.
