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Get ready for a groundbreaking celebration of gaming and esports as DEF 2025 takes center stage in Dubai! This year’s festival will bring together players, creators, industry leaders, and fans from around the world for an unforgettable journey into the future of gaming.
Spanning 17 action-packed days, DEF 2025 will showcase the very best in gaming through a dynamic mix of events. At its heart is the vibrant GameExpo, running from 9–11 May, where gaming culture comes alive with interactive zones, tournaments, and experiences for gamers of all ages and skill levels. Explore the Gamers’ District, Retro Zone, The Quest, Gamers’ Garage, and the family-friendly ENBD Family Zone—each offering unique ways to connect with the games and technology you love.
Fans of esports can look forward to electrifying showdowns in the Main Arena, including the Play Beyond Showdown and Dubai Cosplay Championship, where passion and skill meet on a global stage.
But DEF 2025 is more than just GameExpo. The GameExpo Summit powered by PG Connects (7–8 May) will bring industry leaders together to explore cutting-edge trends, from AI to Web3, making it the region’s premier B2B gaming event. Networking, learning, and career opportunities abound, with exclusive insider sessions, workshops, and educational initiatives designed to inspire the next generation of gaming talent.
DEF 2025 isn’t just an event—it’s a movement. It’s where creativity, innovation, and the gaming community unite to shape the future of the industry.
Mark your calendars for 25 April–11 May 2025 and join us at the Dubai World Trade Centre for the ultimate gaming experience. DEF 2025: The Game Begins Here!
Founded in 2022, the Dubai Esports and Games Festival celebrates all things gaming. By combining the best in competitive video games with electrifying experiences and next-gen talent, the annual festival aims to become a regular fixture in the international circuit.
As a future-first, innovative city, Dubai is perfectly poised to be the Middle East and North Africa’s leading esports and gaming hub. After all, the city pioneered the region’s first large-scale gaming competition back in 2018, and regularly invests in technology and infrastructure to spur a thriving, connected community where everyone is welcome.
Following the phenomenal success of DEF 2024, which drew over 28,000 GameExpo visitors and engaged more than 4.5 gaming enthusiasts across the region, DEF 2025 is set to deliver an even more unforgettable adventure. Spanning 17 action-packed days, this year’s festival will feature events across the city, offering new experiences and thrills for gamers and fans alike.
