The Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF) is set to return from April 25 to May 11, 2025, cementing the city’s reputation as the Middle East’s premier gaming hub. The festival will blend competitive esports, family-friendly entertainment and industry innovations into a sprawling, multi-day event. Whether attendees are professional gamers, casual players or simply fans of cosplay, DEF 2025 promises something for everyone.
A Celebration of Gaming Culture
Dubai Esports and Games Festival 2025 will spotlight the vibrant global gaming community, featuring meet-and-greets with industry legends, world premieres of new games and returning fan favorites like GameExpo, Play Beyond and the Dubai Cosplay Championship. Citywide tournaments, educational challenges and interactive zones will round out the programming, offering activities for all ages.
Last year’s festival drew more than 28,000 visitors from over 100 countries, with 3.6 million players competing in regional tournaments. Organizers expect even greater turnout and engagement this year.
Aligned with Dubai’s D33 Economic Agenda, DEF underscores the emirate’s ambition to become a global leader in digital innovation. The festival aims to nurture local talent, foster career opportunities in gaming and esports, and provide a platform for startups and students to explore the industry’s future.
GameExpo 2025
From May 9 to 11, GameExpo will take over Zabeel Halls 2 and 3 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), offering eight themed zones. Highlights include high-stakes esports battles in the Main Arena, retro gaming nostalgia in the Retro Zone, family activities in the Emirates NBD Family Zone and dining options at the talabat F&B Zone.
New additions this year include The Quest: The New IRL Zone, featuring real-world challenges, and the Just Dance Zone, where attendees can compete in dance-offs. The Narrows, a bustling marketplace, will showcase the latest gaming merchandise and local creators.
Tickets are now available, with early bird pricing starting at 29 AED for students and 44 AED for adults. A Pro Gamer Experience pass (149 AED) grants access to exclusive influencer meet-and-greets.
Play Beyond
On May 10 and 11, Play Beyond will bring together top regional and international esports athletes at DWTC. Fans can watch elite players compete for the Play Beyond trophy, participate in meet-and-greet sessions and even join influencers onstage for live gameplay.
Dubai Cosplay Championship
The Dubai Cosplay Championship on May 10 invites fans to showcase their artistry, whether in the main competition or the Daily Cosplay Catwalk. The event will feature live transformations, performances by renowned cosplayers and cash prizes.
Building the Next Generation of Gamers
Through its Educational Engagement Programme, DEF 2025 will host initiatives like the Minecraft Education Challenge, the ENBD Fortnite Quest and the GameOn with HP Gaming Garage hackathon, offering students hands-on game development experience. A new addition, Game Quest Express, will provide immersive learning opportunities.
GameExpo Summit
Professionals can attend the GameExpo Summit on May 7 and 8 at DWTC Zabeel Hall 1, organized in partnership with Pocket Gamer Connects and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. The two-day conference will explore AI, Web3 and the MENA gaming market, featuring over 100 speakers, sessions on the Metaverse and investment trends, and the MENA Games Awards. Networking events and deal-making opportunities will also be available.
Dubai Esports and Games Festival 2025 solidifies Dubai’s commitment to gaming—not just as entertainment, but as a driver of economic growth and innovation. For more information and to register for ticket updates on Dubai Esports and Games Festival 2025, please visit the DEF 2025 website and follow @DubaiFestivals on Instagram and TikTok.
