DUBAI: Gaming fans across the UAE and beyond are gearing up for one of the region’s biggest digital entertainment events, as the Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF) 2025 returns for its fourth and most expansive edition.
Taking place from 25 April to 11 May, DEF 2025 promises a captivating mix of competitive esports, gaming innovation, interactive zones, and exclusive events. Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), this annual celebration cements Dubai’s position as a global hub for gaming, aligning with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
With something for gamers of all skill levels and ages, the festival is set to offer an unmatched platform for digital creativity, education, and business engagement.
GameExpo experience
At the heart of the action is GameExpo, running from 9 to 11 May at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), housed in Zabeel Halls 2 and 3. This year's edition will feature eight immersive zones, catering to every type of gamer – from seasoned esports competitors to retro arcade fans. The Retro Zone will bring back nostalgia with arcade classics like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Space Invaders. The Emirates NBD Family Zone offers console and PC setups for group play, including 5v5 matches on Fortnite maps and fun with Nintendo Switch titles.
Brand new zones debuting this year include The Quest: The New IRL Zone, where players can test real-world skills through five hands-on challenges, and the Just Dance Zone, hosted with Ubisoft. The latter includes dance-offs and a dedicated Dubai Just Dance Championship on 11 May with cash prizes and a Nintendo Switch up for grabs.
The Main Arena brings high-octane esports competition to life with games like League of Legends, PUBG Mobile, and EA FC 25, while the Gaming District hosts energetic 5v5 tournaments and community challenges. For shopping and collector fans, The Narrows marketplace offers rare merch and exclusive items, and two talabat F&B zones ensure visitors stay refreshed between games.
Epic competitions
DEF 2025 boasts a packed tournament schedule for players of all skill levels. The DEF PlayStation Cup will feature intense EA FC 25 matches, beginning with regional qualifiers from 24 March to 9 April. The grand finale takes place on 9 May in the Gaming District, offering a total prize pool of $10,000. UAE residents can also enter a wildcard draw to qualify directly for the finals.
For a unique in-game experience, the Yalla Ludo Challenge runs from 29 April to 6 May, rewarding players with leaderboard prizes and exclusive digital rewards.
Adding to the excitement, Play Beyond returns on 10 and 11 May, featuring MENA’s top influencers including the ever-popular Abo Flah, who will compete in high-stakes challenges in front of live audiences.
Tech, collectibles, and family fun
GameExpo also showcases the future of gaming through partnerships with top brands. The Web3 Pavilion: Bitget X SWEAT combines physical activity with crypto-based rewards. Red Bull Gaming Grounds challenges attendees to clock the fastest lap times for exclusive rewards, while the Vintage Company makes its GCC debut, featuring rare gaming collectibles and grading services.
Attendees can also enjoy interactive exhibits from Nasr Esports Academy, Antifreeze, and sweet treats from Haribo, complete with character meet-and-greets. Meanwhile, Pro Gamer Experience tickets unlock VIP meet-and-greet access to gaming icons, starting at Dh149.
Ticket options suit every need: from one-day student passes at Dh29 to three-day family bundles starting at Dh225. Tickets are available via Platinumlist.
Cosplay, careers, and education
The spotlight also shines on creativity at the Dubai Cosplay Championship, taking place on 11 May. With cash prizes up to Dh30,000, the competition includes a runway show and the Cosplay Opening Act. Registration is open until 6 May, giving fans of anime, comics, and gaming the opportunity to display their costume-making prowess.
On the educational front, the DEF Educational Engagement Programme returns on 8 May, inviting schools across the UAE to participate in a full day of learning and competition. With prizes totalling Dh50,000, students can compete in challenges like the Minecraft Education Challenge, Fortnite Quest, and GameOn with HP Gaming Garage hackathon.
Workshops led by experts from Microsoft and Unreal Engine will develop students’ design and coding skills, while the Power Up Parade encourages creative costume play for more prize opportunities. New initiatives such as the Game Quest Express, a mobile gaming truck touring schools, and the Cool Career Talks competition offer exciting ways to explore potential careers in gaming and tech. Finalists of the latter will pitch their ideas to a live panel at GameExpo.
Industry insights
Beyond the gameplay, DEF 2025 is also a strategic business platform. The GameExpo Summit, in partnership with Pocket Gamer Connects and Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), will convene on 7 and 8 May at DWTC Zabeel Hall 1. Featuring over 100 global speakers, the two-day conference will dive into trends in AI, Web3, mobile, and MENA gaming, including dedicated sessions on metaverse expansion, investment strategies, and next-gen development.
With structured networking sessions, deal-making forums, and the MENA Games Awards, the summit offers an unmatched opportunity for publishers, developers, and investors to connect and grow.
Access and offers
Visitors can make the most of exclusive hotel deals, with up to 25% off stays at select Rove Hotels including Rove Downtown, Rove Trade Centre, Rove City Walk, and Rove Dubai Marina. The promotion runs for bookings made before 8 May, valid for stays between 20 April and 10 May, using the promo code Esports.
Access to GameExpo is seamless via Dubai Metro, RTA buses, and ample parking facilities with 7,500 spaces, including free and paid options. EV users will find charging bays, and a parking discount of Dh5 is offered to GameExpo visitors. Valet services are also available onsite.
DEF 2025 is supported by key strategic partners including du, Emirates NBD, Dubai Sports Council, Red Bull, Rove, talabat, Roxy Cinemas, and Virgin Radio.