Dubai is gearing up for the return of the highly anticipated Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF) 2025, set to take place from April 25 to May 11.
Announced by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the fourth edition of the region’s largest gaming and esports event promises to deliver a dynamic blend of competitions, industry insights, and family-friendly entertainment. As Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a global gaming hub, DEF 2025 will offer unparalleled experiences for gaming enthusiasts of all ages.
This year’s festival will feature exclusive meet-and-greet sessions with gaming legends, world-first game showings, and the return of fan-favorite experiences like the GameExpo, GameExpo Summit, Dubai Cosplay Championship, and Play Beyond. With citywide tournaments and education challenges also on the agenda, DEF 2025 will cater to a wide spectrum of interests, from casual gamers to esports professionals.
Immersive Gaming and Esports Action
The heart of DEF 2025 will be the much-awaited GameExpo 2025, taking place from May 9 to 11 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). Spanning Zabeel Halls 2 and 3, the event will feature eight dedicated gaming zones, offering a diverse array of experiences, from high-stakes esports tournaments to casual family-friendly games, retro arcade challenges, and cutting-edge VR encounters. Fans can immerse themselves in the action at the Main Arena, Gaming District, Emirates NBD Family Zone, and Retro Zone, with two exciting new zones this year—the Quest: The New IRL Zone and Just Dance Zone.
One of the event’s highlights will be The Narrows, a vibrant marketplace showcasing the latest gaming merchandise, technologies, and trends. Fans will also have the chance to connect with local vendors and creators shaping the regional gaming industry.
Meet Gaming Icons and Cosplay Showdowns
GameExpo 2025 will also host exciting esports events, including Play Beyond, where regional and global pros will compete in intense battles for the coveted trophy. Fans can cheer on their favorite creators, participate in interactive gameplay, and meet them in exclusive sessions. Additionally, the Dubai Cosplay Championship will be a major attraction, with cosplayers competing for cash prizes while showcasing their creative skills and craftsmanship. Fans can witness impressive costume transformations and participate in the Daily Cosplay Catwalk, a fun opportunity for anyone to display their own creations.
Empowering Young Talent
DEF 2025 will continue its educational focus with the DEF Educational Engagement Programme, designed to inspire young minds and empower the next generation of gaming talent. The programme includes contests like the Minecraft Education Challenge, ENBD Fortnite Quest, and GameOn with HP Gaming Garage hackathon, which offers aspiring developers hands-on experience in game design and coding. Schools and universities can also participate in interactive workshops, career talks, and immersive gaming experiences, further bridging the gap between education and the thriving gaming industry.
GameExpo Summit: Shaping the Future of Gaming
For those seeking industry insights, the GameExpo Summit will be the place to be. Powered by Pocket Gamer Connects and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), this two-day conference (May 7-8) will feature over 100 expert speakers discussing trends in AI, Web3, mobile gaming, and the expansion of the MENA gaming sector. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge on the Metaverse, investment opportunities, and future gaming technologies, while networking with developers, publishers, and investors.
The summit will also host the prestigious MENA Games Awards, celebrating innovation and excellence in the regional gaming landscape.
Get Your Tickets Now
Tickets for GameExpo 2025 are now available, with various early bird discounts for fans. One-day passes start from AED29 for students and AED44 for adults, while three-day passes are available from AED49 for students and AED99 for adults. Exclusive Pro Gamer Experience tickets, which offer meet-and-greet sessions with influencers, start from AED149. Families can also enjoy discounts with special passes for groups of six.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
