Dubai Esports and Games Festival 2025 Returns with Exciting Lineup
Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) has announced the Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF 2025) from April 25 to May 11, bringing top-tier gaming tournaments, industry events, and entertainment for all ages.
Key Highlights
- GameExpo 2025 (May 9-11, DWTC): The region’s largest gaming event features eight zones, esports tournaments, retro arcade experiences, VR encounters, and The Narrows marketplace for gaming merchandise and trends. Tickets start at AED 29 (Platinumlist).
- Play Beyond (May 10-11): Regional and global gaming pros compete in thrilling battles, with fans getting a chance for meet-and-greets and interactive gameplay.
- Dubai Cosplay Championship (May 10): A celebration of creativity with competitions, cosplay catwalks, and fan interactions with top cosplayers.
- Educational Programme: Runs until May 2025, offering school students and educators hands-on experiences, including the Minecraft Education Challenge, ENBD Fortnite Quest, and GameOn with HP Gaming Garage hackathon.
- GameExpo Summit (May 7-8, DWTC): A premier industry event featuring 100+ expert speakers, discussions on AI, Web3, mobile gaming, and the MENA Games Awards recognizing industry excellence.
Tickets & Registration
Early bird tickets are available on Platinumlist. Schools can register for free visits to GameExpo and educational competitions via the DEF 2025 website. Follow @DubaiFestivals on Instagram & TikTok for updates.