• Expanded GameExpo with new interactive zones and live tournaments.
  • The Vintage Company showcases retro gaming memorabilia for fans to explore.
  • Amazon.ae hosts the interactive Amazon Quest with exciting prizes.
  • JPEX Entertainment Exhibition celebrates Japanese pop culture and anime fandom.

The much-anticipated Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF) returns in 2025, promising a high-energy, immersive experience for gaming enthusiasts of all ages. From April 25 to May 11, this citywide event offers an exciting array of free-to-play gaming experiences, massive prizes worth over AED 500,000, and new, innovative features designed to elevate the festival experience.

One of the festival’s key highlights is the flagship GameExpo, which runs from May 9-11 at the Dubai World Trade Centre’s Zabeel Halls 2 and 3. This year’s expo has been expanded to include eight interactive zones, offering attendees access to a variety of new games, live tournaments, and hands-on tech demonstrations. These zones feature a mix of virtual and real-world gaming experiences that appeal to both casual and competitive gamers.

A standout attraction at GameExpo is The Amazon Quest – an interactive experience designed to move gaming beyond the screen. Here, participants can engage in challenges that test their real-world strategy and coordination. Amazon.ae is offering prizes for successful participants in this unique adventure.

Another debut is the Just Dance Zone, a partnership with Ubisoft, where visitors can dance, compete, and enjoy themed photo opportunities. The Dubai Just Dance Championship, hosted in collaboration with Ubisoft, will be held on May 11, where the winners will receive prizes, including a Nintendo Switch.

In addition to these experiences, The Vintage Company will be showcasing retro gaming memorabilia for fans to explore, while Antifreeze, a global developer, will unveil a brand-new gaming console for the first time at DEF 2025. Fans will have the chance to try it out and win exclusive prizes.

The DEF Educational Engagement Programme returns this year with an even greater focus on inspiring young gamers, students, and educators. Citywide competitions, creative challenges, and workshops will provide an opportunity for the younger generation to dive deep into the world of esports and gaming.

A key feature of this year’s program is the Game Changers competition, where students can submit innovative proposals that explore how gaming can inspire creativity, support education, or drive social change. The top five teams will present their ideas at GameExpo on May 8, with prizes and recognition for the most forward-thinking proposals.

The Power Up Parade Week (April 28 – May 2) invites students, teachers, and parents to dress up as their favorite gaming characters and share photos for a chance to win exciting prizes.

Throughout the festival, visitors can participate in a variety of competitive events. The DEF PlayStation EAFC 25 Cup will culminate in a grand finale at GameExpo on May 10. UAE-based gamers can enter wildcard qualifiers on May 9 for a chance to secure a spot in the final, competing for a share of the AED 36,700 prize pool.

The Yalla Ludo Challenge is another exciting competition running from April 29 to May 6. Players can earn in-game rewards and climb the leaderboard for a chance to claim exclusive collectibles.

A new addition to DEF 2025 is the JPEX Entertainment Exhibition, the first-ever expo dedicated to Japanese pop culture, featuring anime, manga, gaming, and Japanese entertainment. Held at the Dubai Exhibition Centre from April 25-27, this event offers a variety of interactive experiences, including meet-and-greets with celebrity guests, gaming tournaments, cosplay competitions, and live performances.

On May 7, DEF 2025 partners with Roxy Cinemas to host a special Gamers Night, featuring an exclusive screening of Marvel’s Thunderbolts at Roxy Cinemas locations across Dubai. Attendees will also receive a free Pro Gamer Pass to GameExpo, adding an exciting cinematic experience to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.

Tickets for GameExpo 2025 are now available on Platinumlist. One-day tickets are priced at AED 39 for students and AED 69 for adults. Multi-day passes and family packages are also available. For those looking for an exclusive experience, the Pro Gamer Experience tickets, which offer meet-and-greets with top creators, are priced at AED 199.

For more information on Dubai Esports and Games Festival 2025, please visit the DEF 2025
website and follow @DubaiFestivals on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.