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The Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF) is back for its fourth edition, promising 17 days of non-stop gaming action from April 25 to May 11, 2025. Dubai is solidifying its position as a global gaming hub, and DEF is a key part of that strategy.
What to Expect at DEF 2025
DEF 2025 is packed with events for every type of gamer:
- GameExpo 2025 (May 9-11): The heart of the festival, GameExpo, returns to the Dubai World Trade Centre with eight dedicated gaming zones. Expect high-stakes esports tournaments, family games, retro arcade experiences, VR encounters, and real-world skill challenges. New additions include “The Quest: The New IRL Zone” and the “Just Dance Zone.”
- Play Beyond (May 10-11): Watch top gamers battle it out for the Play Beyond trophy and meet your favorite creators. Selected attendees can even join the influencers on stage for interactive gameplay.
- Dubai Cosplay Championship (May 10): Cosplayers can showcase their skills and compete for cash prizes. The event includes a Cosplay Opening Act, a Daily Cosplay Catwalk, and the main Cosplay Competition.
- DEF Educational Engagement Programme (Ongoing until May 2025): Students can participate in contests like the Minecraft Education Challenge and the ENBD Fortnite Quest. A GameOn with HP Gaming Garage hackathon offers hands-on game development experience.
- GameExpo Summit (May 7-8): This summit brings together industry experts to discuss AI, Web3, mobile gaming, and the expansion of the MENA gaming sector. Expect networking events, business matchmaking, and the MENA Games Awards.
Why Dubai is a Gaming Hub
Dubai is serious about becoming a top 10 global gaming hub by 2033. The government is actively investing in the gaming and esports sector, with initiatives like the “Programme for Gaming 2033” aiming to boost the sector’s contribution to Dubai’s GDP by $1 billion and create 30,000 new jobs. The city boasts world-class infrastructure, hosts major esports tournaments, and is integrating cutting-edge technologies like VR, AR, and AI into gaming experiences.
