Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) has officially announced the return of the Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF), which is set to take place from April 25 to May 11, 2025. Now in its fourth edition, DEF is recognized as the largest esports and gaming festival in the region, and it aims to further establish Dubai as a global gaming hub with a rich program of entertainment, competitions, and industry events.
A Diverse Program to Engage All Gamers
DEF 2025 is designed to strengthen Dubai’s role in the gaming industry by providing unparalleled gaming experiences and a variety of exciting esports tournaments, along with valuable industry insights. Highlights of this year’s festival include:
- Exclusive meet-and-greet sessions with top gaming stars.
- World-first showings of anticipated games.
- The return of favorites such as the GameExpo, GameExpo Summit, Dubai Cosplay Championship, and Play Beyond.
- Citywide tournaments and educational challenges to engage gamers of all ages.
Last year’s event saw tremendous success, attracting over 28,000 visitors from more than 100 nationalities at the GameExpo, which lasted three days at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This massive participation was complemented by 16 regional tournaments, which included over 3.6 million players vying for substantial prizes. Furthermore, the DEF Education Programme engaged over 6,000 students from 230 schools and universities through career workshops and challenges, while 2,000 industry professionals attended, bolstering Dubai’s image as a regional gaming and esports hub.
Immersive Gaming Experiences at GameExpo 2025
The GameExpo 2025 will take place from May 9 to 11, promising an exciting array of experiences for every gaming enthusiast. Located in the Zabeel Halls 2 and 3 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the expo will feature eight dedicated gaming zones, ranging from high-stakes esports tournaments to casual family games. These zones include:
- The Main Arena for major esports competitions.
- The Emirates NBD Family Zone for family-oriented activities.
- The Retro Zone for classic gaming experiences.
- A new addition called The Quest: The New IRL Zone.
- The Just Dance Zone for music and dance enthusiasts.
Moreover, attendees will be able to explore The Narrows, a vibrant marketplace showcasing the latest gaming technologies and merchandise, and engage with local vendors and creators.
Tickets for the GameExpo are available with early bird discounts, where one-day passes start from AED 29 for students and AED 44 for adults. Families can also enjoy special pricing for group entries.
Exciting Competitions and Events
DEF 2025 will host thrilling matchups as part of the Play Beyond event, featuring high-energy challenges from top gamers on May 10 and 11. Fans will have opportunities to cheer for their favorite influencers, participate in gameplay on stage, and engage in interactive sessions.
The Dubai Cosplay Championship will spotlight the creativity of cosplayers, taking place on May 10. Competitors will showcase their craftsmanship, with performances and a vibrant runway event allowing participants to present their costumes to the public. This championship not only rewards top talents with cash prizes but also provides fans the chance to meet iconic cosplay figures.
Educational Initiatives for Young Talent
The DEF Educational Engagement Programme will run until May 2025, designed to inspire future gaming professionals through a mix of education and entertainment. Activities include the Minecraft Education Challenge and the ENBD Fortnite Quest, aimed at developing student skills and creativity. The GameOn with HP Gaming Garage hackathon will allow aspiring developers to gain practical experience in game development.
GameExpo Summit: A Hub for Industry Insights
On May 7 and 8, the GameExpo Summit, powered by Pocket Gamer Connects, will bring industry leaders together to discuss the future of gaming at DWTC. The summit will feature over 100 expert speakers tackling topics from AI to Web3, providing invaluable industry insights for developers, investors, and publishers. Notable highlights include the MENA Games Awards, celebrating innovation and excellence in the region's gaming sector.
Conclusion
As Dubai gears up for the 2025 Dubai Esports and Games Festival, it promises an exciting lineup that caters to every facet of gaming culture. From immersive experiences and competitions to educational opportunities, DEF is more than just a festival—it's a celebration of gaming that reinforces Dubai’s prominent status in the global gaming industry. Participants can look forward to connecting with industry leaders, exploring new technologies, and enjoying engaging activities for all ages during this expansive 17-day event.
