Up your game at the Dubai Esports and Games Festival 2025!
Calling all gamers! Brace yourselves for the Dubai Esports Festival 2025! This trendsetting event for the region’s rapidly growing esports industry features the latest and greatest in all things games. The convention will comprise diverse offerings, from international tournaments to rare vintage entertainment.
Attendees will get the chance to exchange ideas, find new genres, get their hands on cool merch, meet gaming rock stars and hang out with friends — there are so many exciting things to look forward to. Here are all the details of this tech extravaganza.
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
Founded in 2022, the Dubai Esports Festival celebrates the diverse and magnetic worldwide gaming culture. By combining the best in competitive video gaming with electrifying experiences and next-gen technology, the annual fair aims to become a regular fixture on the international circuit. It caters to everyone from industry professionals and esports experts to casual gamers.
As a future-first, innovative city, Dubai is perfectly poised to be the Middle East and North Africa’s leading e-sports hub. After all, the city regularly invests in technology and infrastructure to spur a thriving, connected community where everyone is welcome. This year, the event will take place from 25th April to 11th May 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
Dubai Esports and Games Festival 2025 will have the following events:
- GameExpo (9–11 May): Gaming zones and tournaments.
- GameExpo Summit (7–8 May): A B2B event on the latest trends, including AI and Web3, with networking opportunities.
- Play Beyond (10–11 May): Enjoy watching top influencers compete in epic esports tournaments.
- Dubai Cosplay Championship (10 May): A spectacular cosplay competition.
- Educational Programs: School tournaments and finals at GameExpo.
- Food & Beverage Zones: Recharge with delicious food choices across two talabat zones.
EVENTS AT DUBAI ESPORTS FESTIVAL
GAMEEXPO SUMMIT POWERED BY PG CONNECTS
An exclusive B2B esports and gaming conference, The GameExpo Summit is run by PG Connects. This year’s summit will bring together more than 1,500 industry experts from all over the world to exchange knowledge. It will feature 40+ sessions from 100+ global thought leaders. It will allow opportunities for networking with 2,000+ meetings held via MeetToMatch and 50+ investors connecting with developers.
The summit attracts top organisations, teams, platforms, tournament directors and publishers from near and far to exhibit the future of the esports and gaming industries in the area and beyond.
- Ticket: From AED 145
- When: 7th and 8th May 2025
- Where: Dubai World Trade Centre
GameExpo
The festival’s flagship event, GameExpo, is a joyous celebration of everything gaming. Competitive tournaments, family-friendly fun and 12 thrilling zones- there’s something for everyone. Gamers can opt for the Gaming District, The Retro Zone, The ENBD Family Zone, The Narrows, The Quest, Talabat F&B zones and more.
You can also register for The Dubai Cosplay Championship.
- Ticket: From AED 30
- When: 9th to 11th May 2025
- Where: Zabeel Halls 2 & 3 at Dubai World Trade Centre
EDUCATION ENGAGEMENT
The launch of the Dubai Esports Festival has given students this platform to learn, compete and excel at gaming. Schools with students aged 7 and above can register for free and help their wards learn about the dynamic world of esports and gaming.
The students will:
- Gain awareness about the latest futuristic and innovative technologies.
- Appreciate their peers during the grand finals.
- Engage in fun, hands-on activities and discover vendor offerings.
- Have access to industry experts to discuss exciting career paths.
- Attain valuable insights into the gaming and esports ecosystem
They can also take part in the Minecraft Education Challenge, ENBD Fortnite Quest with a chance to win big.
In 2024, as many as 200 schools took part in the event. Register via the official website to avail this wonderful opportunity.
PLAY BEYOND
Play Beyond is the first-ever high-octane influencer-led esports competition. Fans will be on the edge of their seats with thrilling competition between the top gaming influencers for the coveted Play Beyond Champions Trophy.
Fans will also be able to meet and greet their favourite influencers including the super talented Abo Flah. Plus, you can get on the stage and take on the pros and see if you are up to the challenge.
- When: 10th and 11th May 2025
- Where: Zabeel Halls 2 & 3 at Dubai World Trade Centre
You can visit the official website of the Dubai Esports Festival 2025 for more information or to purchase Dubai Esports Festival tickets for events.
FAQS
HOW TO CONTACT DUBAI ESPORTS FESTIVAL?
You can connect with the festival admin via email at gamesdef@dubaidet.ae, or you can call +971-600-55-5559.
ARE KIDS UNDER 5 ALLOWED AT THE EVENT?
Yes, kids under 5 are allowed, and the good news is you don’t need to buy tickets for them either.
WHAT ARE THE BEST GAMING CAFES IN DUBAI?
Looking for a dedicated gaming hub where you can get your game on? Two of the top gaming cafes in Dubai are VR Park in Dubai Mall and Arena Games in DIFC.
WHAT ARE THE TOP GAMING CAFES IN ABU DHABI?
You can play at these gaming cafes in Abu Dhabi, which mix the best of contemporary technology with high-tech gaming consoles.
That’s a wrap on our guide to the Dubai Esports Festival 2025. Apart from promoting the esports community and the gaming sector in the region, DEF 2025 will provide unlimited entertainment to netizens of all ages.
Like to collect the latest high-tech gaming gadgets and gizmos? You can head to Jumbo Electronics, Wasabi Electronics and other shops to buy gaming consoles in Dubai.
In recent years, virtual reality gaming has greatly expanded throughout Dubai. The places that offer VR in Dubai include Wavehouse and VR Park.
Stay tuned to MyBayut for updates regarding the other DEF events, ticket information and more.
