FAQs

Q1: What is the Dubai Esports & Games Festival?

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, the second Dubai Esports & Games Festival (DEF) 2023 is set to take place from 21 - 25 June 2023. DEF 2023 is the ultimate gaming extravaganza, featuring an exciting set of live events and activities that will bring together esports athletes, industry experts, developers, and pop-culture enthusiasts from across the globe for a celebration of all things gaming.

DEF 2023 is set to be the most phenomenal esports and gaming event in the Middle East, in line with Dubai’s position as a hub for innovation. The Festival will feature live events and activities including the Minecraft Education Challenge, Play Beyond Esports tournament, GameExpo, the GameExpo Summit powered by PG Connects, regional and influencer tournaments as well as retail promotions taking place across the city showcasing the latest games and merchandise. It will also allow fans to engage with their favorite esports celebrities and gaming icons.

Q2: What are the events taking place during the Dubai Esports & Games Festival?

DEF 2023 is set to be the most exciting esports and gaming event in the Middle East to cement Dubai's position as a hub for innovation. The Festival will feature electrifying live events and activities for five action-packed days. Events like influencer and regional tournaments, Minecraft Education Challenge, GameExpo, Play Beyond tournament, and GameExpo Summit powered by PG Connects are just the tip of the iceberg. There are also retail promotions taking place across the venue showcasing the latest games and merchandise as well as meet-and-greet sessions with famous gaming celebrities.

Q3: Where is the Dubai Esports & Games Festival (DEF) 2023 taking place?

DEF 2023 will take place in the South Hall of Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City Dubai.

Continuing Expo 2020 Dubai's legacy of innovation through collaboration, Expo City is a pioneering beacon for creative pursuits, new technologies and smart sustainable solutions. This makes it the perfect place to host an event of a large scale and popularity. DEF 2023's breathtaking set-up at Dubai Exhibition Centre will bring gamers and esports fans, local and global alike, to this spectacular event of an international phenomenon.

Q4: Do I need to buy tickets to attend DEF 2023? If so, where can I get the tickets?

Yes, tickets are needed to attend the various events of DEF 2023.

• However, all pre-registered schools and universities can attend the education days free of charge on June 21 - 22.
• The GameExpo Summit powered by PG Connects delegate pass will be available to purchase soon.
• Application for Minecraft Education Challenge is available here
• Tickets for GameExpo will be available to purchase soon.

Q5: How can I get to Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC)? Where can I park in DEC?

• Public transportation: Taking the metro to EXPO 2020 station is the easiest way to reach DEC.
• Parking facilities at DEC:
  • For visitors of GameExpo Summit powered by PG Connects: Complimentary parking at Al Dana Parking is available.
  • Valet pickup & drop-off services is available at both Al Dana and Mobility parking. There’s also a valet station in front of DEC South Hall and DEC North Hall.
  • Shuttle service for visitors between Al Dana Parking/Mobility Parking and DEC South/North Hall will be available.

Q6: Where can I stay and dine during my visit of Dubai Esports & Games Festival?

Rove Expo 2020 Hotel in Expo City, Dubai is the best place to stay during your visit. It’s within walking distance of Dubai Exhibition Centre and has many different restaurants nearby.

For more information, please visit: www.rovehotels.com/en/hotels/rove-expo-2020

Q7: Who can I speak to for more information or questions?

For general enquiries, you can call us at (+971) 600 55 5559 or email at [email protected]. For specific enquiries, email us at: -

- Sponsorship
Glen Elliott: [email protected]

- Speakers at the GameExpo Summit powered by PG Connects
Dave Bradley: [email protected]

- Schools
Vicki Matheson: [email protected]

Q8: Are there any implemented COVID-19 precautionary measures for Dubai Esports & Games Festival events?

All COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted for all types of events as of March 2022. The venue is currently operating at 100% capacity. Masks are optional.