Dubai Esports and Games Festival Returns for 17 Days from 25 April to 11 May

Photo- Government of Dubai Media Office

The Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF) is returning for its fourth edition from April 25 to May 11, 2025. Organized by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the event promises to be bigger and better, with an exciting lineup of activities, competitions, and industry events. This festival continues to strengthen Dubai’s role as a global gaming hub and offers something for everyone – from esports fans to families looking for fun experiences.

DEF 2025 is set to showcase top-tier gaming tournaments, cutting-edge technologies, and family-friendly activities. Some of the major highlights include exclusive meet-and-greet sessions with famous gaming stars, first-time game reveals, and returning favorites like the GameExpo, GameExpo Summit, Dubai Cosplay Championship, and Play Beyond. The festival will also feature citywide gaming tournaments, education challenges, and interactive events for gamers of all ages.

Last year’s DEF was a huge success, attracting more than 28,000 visitors from over 100 countries. The DEF GameExpo saw regional tournaments with over 3.6 million players participating and offering big prizes. The festival also offered a unique educational program, engaging over 6,000 students from 230 schools and universities through career talks, workshops, and challenges. This helped strengthen Dubai’s position as a key player in the esports and gaming industries.

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DEF 2025 is also a key event in Dubai’s goal to expand its gaming sector internationally, supporting the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. This agenda aims to position Dubai as one of the best cities in the world to live, visit, and work. The festival encourages digital innovation, supports small businesses, and offers career opportunities in esports across the UAE.

The highlight of DEF 2025 will be the GameExpo, which will be held from May 9 to 11 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). The GameExpo promises to be the region’s most immersive gaming event, offering a variety of experiences for all kinds of gamers. There will be eight special gaming zones, including high-stakes esports tournaments, casual family games, retro arcade experiences, VR challenges, and more.

New this year, the GameExpo will feature two exciting additions: The Quest: The New IRL Zone and the Just Dance Zone. These new areas will provide fans with even more ways to enjoy gaming, while the familiar zones, like the Main Arena, Gaming District, and Emirates NBD Family Zone, will continue to offer plenty of entertainment for all ages.

Fans will also be able to explore The Narrows, a vibrant marketplace offering the latest gaming merchandise, technologies, and trends. This space will give visitors a chance to interact with local vendors, creators, and small businesses that are shaping the region’s gaming industry.

DEF 2025 will also host Play Beyond, where top gaming pros from around the world will compete in high-energy challenges. This exciting event will take place on May 10 and 11, where fans can cheer for their favorite players and influencers, and participate in exclusive meet-and-greet sessions. Some lucky attendees will even get a chance to join their favorite stars on stage for interactive gameplay, making the event an unforgettable experience.

For those who love anime, video games, movies, and comics, the Dubai Cosplay Championship at DEF 2025 will be an event to remember. Cosplayers from the region will showcase their creativity and talent, with the chance to win cash prizes. The competition will take place on May 10, with live performances and a daily cosplay catwalk where participants can display their amazing costumes. There will also be a meet-and-greet with top cosplayers, giving fans the chance to learn from the best in the community.

The DEF Educational Engagement Programme offers a unique opportunity for students and educators to explore esports and gaming. The program includes contests like the Minecraft Education Challenge and ENBD Fortnite Quest, where students can showcase their skills for the chance to win prizes. The GameOn with HP Gaming Garage hackathon will also provide aspiring developers with hands-on experience in game development, from coding to design. The Power Up Parade will celebrate the spirit of gaming with students, fans, and gamers from all over.

Additionally, the Game Quest Express will offer immersive gaming experiences, and in-school visits will allow students and teachers to learn about career opportunities in gaming and esports. Registration for these competitions and activities is already open.

On May 7 and 8, the GameExpo Summit will bring together industry leaders, experts, and investors to discuss the future of gaming at DWTC Zabeel Hall 1. The summit will cover topics like AI, Web3, mobile gaming, and the growth of the MENA gaming sector. Over 100 expert speakers will share their insights, and attendees will have the chance to network, build business relationships, and explore new opportunities in the industry. One of the key features of the summit will be the MENA Games Awards, which will recognize outstanding achievements in the region’s gaming industry.

Tickets for GameExpo 2025 are now available, with various early bird discounts. Prices for one-day passes start at AED29 for students and AED44 for adults. A three-day pass can be purchased starting at AED49 for students and AED99 for adults. Pro Gamer Experience tickets are also available for fans who want to meet gaming influencers, starting at AED149. Families of six can book a one-day pass for AED99 or a three-day pass for AED225.