The region’s premier gaming celebration brings 17 days of excitement for fans, families, and future professionals
The highly anticipated Dubai Esports and Games Festival 2025 is back for its fourth and most dynamic edition yet. From 25 April to 11 May, gamers of all ages can dive into a packed lineup of tournaments, tech showcases, cosplay events, and educational experiences. Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the festival champions digital innovation and aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, reinforcing the city’s global leadership in technology, business, and entertainment. Everyone from families, friends, fans, casual gamers, and even esports champions is invited to level up. There’s truly something for all ages, gaming, abilities, and interests.
GameExpo 2025: A Gaming Universe Under One Roof
The centerpiece of Dubai Esports and Games Festival 2025 is GameExpo, taking place from 9 to 11 May at Dubai World Trade Centre. This immersive event features eight themed zones, where attendees can experience everything from retro arcade nostalgia to the latest in esports and Web3 gaming.
Families can enjoy the Emirates NBD Family Zone with titles like Fortnite, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox consoles. For thrill-seekers, new additions like The Quest IRL Zone and Just Dance Zone in collaboration with Ubisoft promise non-stop action, dance battles, and cash prizes.
For competitive players, the Main Arena will host epic battles across top games such as League of Legends, PUBG Mobile, and FC25. Meanwhile, the Gaming District welcomes casual and pro players for 5v5 matchups and hands-on game trials.
Meet the Stars and Power Up with Prizes
Adding to the excitement, influencer Abo Flah returns to Play Beyond, joining other MENA gaming stars for live showdowns. Fans can watch, interact, and compete alongside creators in a high-energy setting.
Top brands and partners, including Red Bull, Bitget X SWEAT, and Nasr Esports Academy, will also debut tech innovations, workshops, and gaming merchandise. Even Haribo joins the party with treats and a mascot meet-and-greet.
Early bird tickets start at AED 29 (students) and AED 44 (adults), with exclusive packages like the Pro Gamer Experience available from AED 149.
Empowering Tomorrow’s Gaming Talent Through Education
Inspiring the next generation, the DEF Educational Engagement Programme on 8 May invites students and educators to explore gaming careers through Minecraft, Fortnite, and HP hackathons. Workshops led by Microsoft and Unreal Engine experts will teach students how to design gaming environments and refine creative skills.
New initiatives include Game Quest Express, a mobile gaming truck visiting schools, and Cool Career Talks, a platform for students to present game-driven innovations. Prizes worth AED 50,000 await young challengers.
Cosplay Competition and Esports Tournaments Heat Up
DEF 2025 also brings back the Dubai Cosplay Championship on 11 May, with cash prizes up to AED 30,000. Cosplayers can compete, showcase their creations, and engage with the vibrant fan community.
Meanwhile, major tournaments like the DEF PlayStation Cup and Yalla Ludo Challenge offer players a chance to win big, including wildcard entries and a share of $10,000 in prize money.
GameExpo Summit: The Business of Gaming
Taking place on 7–8 May, the GameExpo Summit powered by Pocket Gamer Connects welcomes over 100 speakers to explore trends in AI, Web3, mobile, and the MENA gaming market. The summit features strategic matchmaking, the MENA Games Awards, and invaluable insights for investors and developers.
Discover how esports is transforming classrooms in the UAE.
For those interested in Dubai’s broader cultural innovation, check out our coverage on the exclusive retreat for theatre school franchisees.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re a fan, creator, student, or industry leader, Dubai Esports and Games Festival 2025 has something for you. Attendees can benefit from Rove Hotels’ 25% discount, convenient access to DWTC via public transport, and on-site parking.
➡️ Tickets and full event details are available at Platinumlist
➡️ Follow @DubaiFestivals on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn for the latest updates.