Dubai solidified its status as a global gaming hub with the record-breaking success of the Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF) 2025, the region’s largest celebration of gaming, esports, and digital innovation.
Drawing over 45,000 attendees across 17 days, the fourth edition of the festival delivered a dynamic mix of entertainment, education, and economic opportunity.
Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), DEF 2025 featured 12 major events and attracted 3.8 million gamers across more than 90 tournaments on popular titles such as EA FC 25, Valorant, and Fortnite. The flagship GameExpo welcomed 34,800 visitors for the city’s biggest-ever gaming weekend, with fans, families, and professionals engaging in immersive experiences, creator showdowns, and cosplay competitions.
The festival hosted over 2,000 professionals from 70 countries at the GameExpo Summit and Gaming Matters conference, highlighting Dubai’s growing influence in the global gaming sector. More than 75 speakers led discussions on AI, Web3, monetisation, and investment opportunities, while indie developers and start-ups pitched innovations to top investors.
Youth engagement was another standout success. DEF’s Education Programme reached 16,500 students and educators from 250 UAE schools, offering workshops, tournaments, and career-focused experiences to inspire the next generation of talent.
More than 775 brands activated across the festival, reflecting DEF’s value as a platform for market expansion and strategic collaboration. Exclusive retail promotions and hospitality deals further enhanced the citywide celebration.
DFRE CEO Ahmed Al Khaja hailed the event as a key driver of Dubai’s digital economy, aligning with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and Dubai Program for Gaming 2033.
“DEF has evolved into a high-impact platform that delivers real strategic value,”
he said.
DEF 2025 stands as a milestone in Dubai’s journey to becoming a global powerhouse in gaming and esports.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
