• Dubai Esports and Games Festival 2025 is now live citywide.
  • Over AED 500,000 in prizes up for grabs across 17 days.
  • GameExpo 2025 features eight gaming zones, tournaments, and cosplay events.
  • GameExpo Summit gathers 100+ global experts to shape gaming’s future.

If you thought Dubai was already doing the most, think again. The Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF) 2025 has officially hit the city like a boss battle — and no, you can’t just mash buttons to survive this one. Since 23 April, Dubai’s been serving nonstop gaming energy hotter than a graphics card on overclock. Running through to 11 May, this 17-day marathon of gaming greatness has basically turned the city into one giant, playable map.

Organized by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), DEF 2025 is not here to play small. We’re talking free-to-play showdowns across League of Legends, Fortnite, EA FC 25, PUBG Mobile, retro arcade goodness, and console legends on PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo. Add in exclusive game previews, esports tournaments, cosplay championships, and brainy industry summits — and suddenly your calendar looks very busy. Oh, and over AED 500,000 in prizes? It’s not a drill.

GameExpo 2025: The Main Event Has Respawned Bigger Than Ever

Circle 9–11 May on your quest log, because GameExpo is back at Dubai World Trade Centre (Zabeel Halls 2 and 3) — and it’s flexing harder than a maxed-out RPG character. This year? Eight themed zones, pure chaos. Meet top-tier gaming influencers. Crush high-stakes esports tournaments. Rage against nostalgia in the Retro Zone’s arcade flashbacks. Flex your drift skills at Sim Racing. Tap into the future with Web3 Gaming.

Newbie alert: 2025 introduces The Amazon Quest: The New IRL Zone (brought to you by Amazon) and the Just Dance Zone (powered by Ubisoft). Meanwhile, the Main Arena and Gaming District will be buzzing with hyper-competitive showdowns, challenges, and live-action bragging rights.

Shop rare collectibles at The Narrows marketplace and refuel at two dedicated talabat F&B Zones — because even legends need snacks. Also expect to see heavy-hitters like Red Bull Gaming Grounds, Web3 Pavilion: Bitget X SWEAT, and activations by Antifreeze, Haribo, Nasr Esports Academy, and Gillette all bringing their A-game.

Pro-tip: Tickets are already live via Platinumlist. Single-day passes: AED 39 (students), AED 69 (adults). Three-day multi-pass: AED 69 (students), AED 139 (adults). Hardcore fans, grab the Pro Gamer Experience ticket (AED 199) to meet icons like Abo Flah. Families? Roll deep with a one-day pass for six at AED 149 or snag a three-day package for AED 299.

Cosplay Levels Up: The Dubai Cosplay Championship Is Here

Got a costume gathering dust or a dream to become your favorite anime hero? On 11 May, the Dubai Cosplay Championship is the place to transform. Think cash prizes up to AED 30,000, meet-and-greets with cosplay royalty, and a stage that will be fire.

The Cosplay Opening Act kicks off the glamour, followed by the Daily Cosplay Catwalk, and then the full-throttle Cosplay Competition where the best of the best will battle for the ultimate crown. Fan favorite cosplayers will even hang around for exclusive meet-ups. Registration for the championship is open until 6 May via the Cosplay Registration Form (so, move fast).

Play Beyond: Where Pros Clash and Legends Are Made

Esports warriors and keyboard heroes, this one’s for you. Play Beyond crashes into GameExpo on 10–11 May, unleashing elite matchups and influencer showdowns — Abo Flah is back, and it’s about to get personal. It’s adrenaline, sweat, and gaming glory packed into two unforgettable days.

And yes, there’s a trophy, but the real flex? Bragging rights that last forever.

Citywide Educational Power-Up: DEF’s Next-Level Learning Mode

DEF 2025 isn’t just about smashing buttons — it’s about building futures. The DEF Educational Engagement Programme is rolling out workshops, tournaments, and speaker sessions designed to help students and teachers explore the booming universe of esports and gaming careers.

From the Minecraft Education Challenge and Fortnite Quest to exclusive workshops led by Microsoft and Unreal Engine senior educators, it’s hands-on, brain-on action. Plus, there’s AED 50,000 in prizes waiting. Students can even field-trip their way to GameExpo on 8 May — who said gaming can’t be educational?

Want to Level Up? Join the Tournaments

If sitting on the sidelines isn’t your thing, DEF 2025 has a controller with your name on it. The DEF PlayStation EA FC 25 Cup gives UAE gamers a shot at wildcard qualification to join six regional finalists — all battling live at GameExpo on 10 May for a $10,000 prize pool. Meanwhile, mobile gamers can flex their thumbs at the Yalla Ludo Challenge from 29 April to 6 May and score exclusive in-game rewards and leaderboard glory.

Industry Intel: GameExpo Summit Breaks It All Down

Serious about gaming? The GameExpo Summit on 7–8 May is where over 100 industry heavyweights will deep-dive into everything from AI and Web3 to mobile gaming trends and the MENA boom. The MENA Games Awards will also spotlight rising stars across the region. Expect networking gold, investment match-making, and conversations that could change the future of gaming forever. Tickets? Platinumlist is your portal.

DEF 2025 is turbo-charged by Amazon, du, Dubai Police, Dubai Sports Council, Emirates NBD, Red Bull, Rove, Roxy Cinemas, talabat, and Virgin Radio. True squad goals.

Ready to jump in? More info is live at DEF 2025 Website and follow all the action on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn!