Under the patronage of Ahmed bin Mohammed
Dubai Esports and Games Festival unveils a dynamic lineup of events in June 2023
The Festival is set to consolidate Dubai's rise as a global hub for the gaming industry and a focal point for the convergence of innovation in the media, gaming, esports, technology and entertainment sectors
Set to be held from 21 to 25 June, DEF 2023 features GameExpo, GameExpo Summit, Regional Tournaments and the new Play Beyond International Influencers Tournament
GameExpo Summit, the region’s premium gaming industry gathering, will bring together investors, game developers and other companies from the gaming industry
Ahmed Al Khaja: DEF 2023 is set to transform the development of the gaming technology landscape in Dubai and the wider region
Government of Dubai Media Office - 02 June 2023: Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) today announced an exciting line-up of events at the annual Dubai Esports and Games Festival 2023 (DEF). Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, DEF is set to take place from 21 to 25 June at the South Halls, Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai.
Returning for its second edition, the unique event is set to consolidate Dubai's rise as a global hub for the gaming industry and a focal point for the convergence of innovation in the media, gaming, esports, technology and entertainment sectors. The event also seeks to celebrate and empower gaming talent and foster the growth of esports communities. DEF 2023 will be open exclusively for schools through website registration from 21 - 22 June, while the GameExpo Summit will be held from 21 to 22 June, and the GameExpo consumer show from 23 to 25 June.
The GameExpo consumer show features the latest gaming products of leading industry players such as Playstation, Xbox, Ubisoft and Namco as well as a new influencer tournament, Play Beyond that will see a contest between some of the world’s biggest gamers.
The festival also includes a GameExpo Summit, powered by PG Connects, which will serve as a forum for regional leaders to explore collaboration to further springboard the strong growth in gaming, web3 and AI. The event offers attendees a chance to attend talks by over 100 industry thought leaders, develop their skills with expert workshops and network with more than 700 high-profile attendees. The event is also a unique opportunity to catch up on the latest offerings of game developers through exciting activations and exhibitions.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals & Retail Establishment (DFRE), commented: "We are proud to present the region’s most exciting esports and gaming event for the second year in a row. The Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF) is set to transform the development of the gaming technology landscape in Dubai and the wider region. DEF 2023 presents an unparalleled opportunity for people in the industry to expand their networks with top-tier esports professionals, and connect with passionate and talented gamers from all around the world. We are fully committed to driving investment and fostering growth in the esports and gaming sectors in our region. Our goal is to create exciting spaces and platforms for industry leaders to thrive, while also providing families with the opportunity to enjoy the latest tech and gamer entertainment."
DEF 2023 will create a unique platform for global gamers, investors, entrepreneurs, and international players through a series of engaging activities. In addition to these activities, the festival’s hero consumer event GameExpo will see a range of entertainment brands that cater to families and children, ensuring an inclusive experience for all attendees.
Key details of events across the festival for gamers and fans include:
GameExpo Summit, 21 & 22 June, South Hall, DEC, Expo City Dubai
The Dubai GameExpo Summit, powered by PG Connects, is an annual two-day business conference summit designed to bring together professionals from all areas of the gaming industry, including developers, publishers, distributors, tool providers, and investors, to share knowledge, network and discuss current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the global gaming market. The conference features a range of activities, including keynote speeches, panel discussions, fringe events, and networking sessions.
Each day of the GameExpo Summit is packed with informative talks and interactive sessions, providing attendees with valuable insights into the latest developments in the gaming industry. The conference will bring together professionals from around the world, making it an ideal platform for businesses to connect with potential partners and clients from different regions. Attendees have the opportunity to network with industry leaders, share their experiences and expertise, and gain valuable insights into the latest trends and developments in the gaming market. The conference also offers a platform for companies to showcase their latest products and services. Exhibitors can display their products in the exhibition hall, providing attendees with a chance to try out the latest games and technologies, enabling companies to receive feedback from potential customers and identify new market opportunities.
Tickets for the various Summit events of DEF 2023 are now on sale. Tickets cost AED150 for publishers, brands and governments, and AED400 for agencies. VIP tickets cost AED2,000 AED. Tickets can be purchased on this link.
GameExpo, 23 to 25 June, South Hall, DEC, Expo City Dubai
Dubai is building an engaging consumer expo that will offer a regional alternative (and ultimately a challenger) to the likes of world-leading events such as Gamescom. Over three days, the public can come and explore a whole world of games, from retro arcade and 1980s and 2000 era games to experiencing new tech including the latest Virtual Reality games and simulators. GameExpo will feature many exciting activities at the Retro Zone, Discovery Zone, Tabletop Zone, Retail Zone and more. Bringing players together to enjoy some of the latest and biggest games in the world, GameExpo will showcase the best local talent from Dubai and the wider region with fun and engaging games like FreeFire, Cricket Gangster and Dominos Proeducation area.
Play Beyond, 24 & 25 June, South Hall, DEC, Expo City Dubai
A new addition to the festival and the first of its kind in the region, the world’s biggest regional and global influencers will come together to compete with each other in the new Dubai Play Beyond Trophy. Locked in a heated battle of exhilarating challenges and games of multiple genres, these prominent gaming influencer teams will compete for the victor’s crown and ultimate bragging rights. Fans are in for a treat as they get to watch and learn from their favourite influencers live in action, getting tips and enjoying meet-and-greet sessions with the teams announced in the coming weeks.
Regional Tournaments, May and June 2023
Connecting players across the region, this exciting online tournament targets entrepreneurs, adults, students and teens including FreeFire, Cricket Gangster and Dominos Pro with players able to win a mixture of money and hardware.
Students from across the UAE will participate in the Minecraft Education Challenge where they will compete to gain a spot in the grand final against an invited regional team. The Global Standard Finals will be live and broadcast with casters, analysts and delivered by regional esports tournament production experts to give students a taste of what the pros experience. Students aged 11 and above will be able to participate in the Brawlhalla Esports Schools Clash that will see schools hosting qualifier tournaments until 9 June to find their “school champion”. Qualifying school champions will then travel to GameExpo on 21 June to battle it out on stage at the live finals to determine the overall tournament champion.
Another event, the Microsoft Makecode Competition is an exciting programme that teaches students computer programming. This year’s event will see a secondary-level competition to engage with students who are already showing talent or want to learn this skillset as part of a school team.
All pre-registered schools and universities can attend the education days free of charge on both June 21 and June 22. Students have the opportunity to play and compete at the Game Expo and listen to advice from industry experts on a future career in the gaming industry.
The Game Expo and GameExpo Summit 2023 will provide an excellent opportunity for people in the industry to get involved early on and make the right connections. With its growing gaming consumer base and fast-developing industry, the MENA market represents the fastest-growing segment of the games industry. The festival and summit will bring players together to enjoy some of the latest and biggest games in the world as well as showcase the best local and global talent and minds in the industry.
Schools can register to attend the two days of GameExpo via the website. Tickets can be purchased through the following link here.
For more information on Dubai Esports & Games Festival 2023, please visit: https://www.dubaiesportsfestival.com.