Dubai Esports and Games Festival returns in April with citywide events

Dubai: Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) has announced the return of the Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF), set to take place from April 25 to May 11.

The fourth edition of the region’s largest esports and gaming festival will feature a diverse programme of entertainment, competitions, and industry events, further reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global gaming hub.

DEF 2025 aims to strengthen Dubai’s position as a key player in the gaming industry, offering unparalleled gaming experiences, exciting esports tournaments, cutting-edge industry insights, and family fun events for all ages and interests.

Key highlights of the upcoming edition include exclusive meet-and-greet sessions with top stars, world-first game showings, and the return of popular experiences such as the GameExpo, GameExpo Summit, Dubai Cosplay Championship, and Play Beyond. The festival will also feature citywide tournaments, education challenges, and interactive experiences catering to gaming enthusiasts of all ages.

GameExpo 2025

The biggest and most immersive gaming event in the region, this year’s GameExpo 2025 will return to Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Zabeel Halls 2 and 3 from May 9 to 11, offering diverse experiences for every type of gamer. Eight dedicated gaming zones will provide an unmissable event for fans and families — whether in high-stakes esports tournaments, casual family games, retro arcade experiences, tabletop challenges, VR encounters, or real-world skill challenges.

GameExpo 2025 will feature The Narrows, a vibrant marketplace where fans and families can explore cutting-edge merchandise, gaming technologies, and industry trends while engaging directly with local vendors, creators, and small businesses shaping the regional gaming industry. Vendors interested in exhibiting can contact the organisers via this link.

Cosplay Championship

Fans of anime, video games, movies, and comics will take centre stage in a cosplay showdown where creativity knows no bounds. The Dubai Cosplay Championship at DEF 2025 invites cosplayers to showcase their skills and compete for cash prizes on 10 May at DWTC Zabeel Halls 2 and 3.

The Cosplay Opening Act will feature artists bringing characters to life in impressive transformations.

The Daily Cosplay Catwalk is open to all, giving participants a chance to showcase their costumes and creativity on a vibrant runway and compete for prizes. The Cosplay Competition will see regional cosplayers battle it out to be crowned the best, demonstrating their incredible craftsmanship and performance skills in pursuit of top honours.

Game Quest Express

Game Quest Express, the latest addition to the programme, will introduce immersive gaming experiences, enhancing esports engagement. In-school visits featuring interactive workshops and expert-led sessions will give students and teachers valuable insights into career opportunities within gaming and esports. Registration for all competitions and activities is now live.

GameExpo Summit

The GameExpo Summit, powered by Pocket Gamer Connects and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), will bring the global gaming industry to Dubai for a conference at DWTC Zabeel Hall 1 on May 7 and 8. Serving as a premier hub for networking, industry insights, and business development, the two-day event will feature over 100 expert speakers discussing AI, Web3, mobile gaming, and the expansion of the MENA gaming sector.

Games Awards

A highlight of the event will be the MENA Games Awards, recognising excellence and innovation across the region’s gaming landscape. With discussions on industry trends, investment opportunities, and cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of gaming, the GameExpo Summit is an essential event for developers, publishers, investors, and entrepreneurs looking to engage with the gaming industry.