he Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF) is back for its fourth edition, promising 17 days of gaming action from 25 April to 11 May 2025. Organized by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), DEF 2025 brings a packed schedule of tournaments, technology showcases, cosplay events, educational workshops, and business networking opportunities aimed at everyone from casual players and families to industry professionals and esports athletes.
One of the highlights is the return of GameExpo, running from 9 to 11 May at Dubai World Trade Centre. This flagship event will feature eight themed gaming zones, exclusive meet-and-greets with top content creators, live tournaments, interactive zones, and the popular Dubai Cosplay Championship. New for 2025 is The Quest: The New IRL Zone, which introduces real-world gaming challenges, and a Just Dance Zone in partnership with Ubisoft, featuring dance-offs and competitions.
Other standout areas include a Retro Zone with arcade classics, a Sim Racing Zone, a Web3 Pavilion, and The Gaming District, offering fans 5v5 competitions and mini-tournaments across major titles like League of Legends, PUBG Mobile, and FC 25. Visitors can also check out a curated selection of collectibles at The Narrows and enjoy a wide range of food options at the two talabat-sponsored food zones.
The Play Beyond stage, taking place 10-11 May, will bring together the region’s top streamers and esports pros for live gameplay and audience participation. Regional influencer Abo Flah is confirmed to return, joining others for high-energy competitive showdowns and fan engagement.
DEF’s commitment to community development and learning continues with the DEF Educational Engagement Programme. On 8 May, students and educators can take part in workshops, hackathons, and gaming-related challenges. Events like the Minecraft Education Challenge and Fortnite Quest offer hands-on learning and a chance to win part of the AED 50,000 prize pool. New to 2025 is the Game Quest Express, a mobile gaming truck visiting schools, and Cool Career Talks, giving students a platform to pitch ideas on gaming’s role in education and innovation.
Business professionals and developers can attend the GameExpo Summit, held 7-8 May at DWTC’s Zabeel Hall 1. Powered by Pocket Gamer Connects, the summit will feature over 100 speakers from the global gaming industry, covering trends in AI, Web3, mobile games, investment strategies, and the rapidly growing MENA market. The summit also includes networking opportunities and the MENA Games Awards, recognizing achievements across the regional gaming ecosystem.
Competitive gamers can sign up for several major tournaments. The DEF PlayStation Cup, centered around EA FC 25, runs regional qualifiers leading up to the final showdown on 9 May at GameExpo. Local players also have a shot at wildcard entries and a share of the $10,000 prize pool. Meanwhile, the Yalla Ludo Challenge, from 29 April to 6 May, offers in-game rewards and leaderboard prizes.
DEF 2025 also offers a variety of ticket options, including discounted early bird prices via Platinumlist. One-day GameExpo passes start at AED 29 for students and AED 44 for adults. Multi-day and family packages are also available, along with limited Pro Gamer Experience tickets, which include exclusive meet-and-greets. Attendees can also access hotel discounts of 25% at participating Rove Hotels with the promo code Esports for stays booked before 8 May.
Cosplayers can register for the Dubai Cosplay Championship, taking place 11 May, with AED 30,000 in prizes up for grabs. Registration closes on 6 May, and participants will have the chance to walk the runway, compete in multiple categories, and engage with the cosplay community.
Getting to the venue is simple, with convenient access via Dubai Metro, public transport, and over 7,500 parking spots across DWTC. EV drivers will also find charging bays available.
With a diverse lineup that spans gaming culture, education, and business, Dubai Esports and Games Festival 2025 reinforces Dubai’s status as a growing hub for digital entertainment and esports innovation in the region.
