Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) has announced that the Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF) will take place from 25 April to 11 May. The fourth edition will feature a diverse programme of entertainment, competitions, and industry events, further reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global gaming hub.
Key highlights of the upcoming edition include meet-and-greet sessions with top stars, world-first game showings, and the return of popular experiences such as the GameExpo, GameExpo Summit, Dubai Cosplay Championship, and Play Beyond. The festival will also feature citywide tournaments, education challenges, and interactive experiences catering to gaming enthusiasts of all ages.
Last year’s edition brought together thousands of fans, families, and professionals, with the DEF GameExpo welcoming over 28,000 visitors from more than 100 nationalities across three days at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Sixteen regional tournaments saw participation from over 3.6 million players, with significant prizes awarded. The DEF Education Programme creatively engaged more than 6,000 students from 230 schools and universities through career talks, skills workshops, and challenges. The festival also attracted 2,000 industry professionals, strengthening Dubai’s status as a regional hub for gaming and esports.
Immersive gaming and esports tournaments
This year’s GameExpo 2025 will return to Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Zabeel Halls 2 and 3 from 9 to 11 May, offering diverse experiences for every type of gamer. Eight dedicated gaming zones will provide an unmissable event for fans and families—whether in high-stakes esports tournaments, casual family games, retro arcade experiences, tabletop challenges, VR encounters, or real-world skill challenges.A highlight of the event will be the MENA Games Awards, recognising excellence and innovation across the region’s gaming landscape. With discussions on industry trends, investment opportunities, and cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of gaming, the GameExpo Summit is an essential event for developers, publishers, investors, and entrepreneurs looking to engage with the gaming industry.
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