WAM
23 Apr 2025

DUBAI, 23rd April, 2025 (WAM) -- The Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) will launch the fourth edition of the Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF) 2025 on Friday, bringing the region's largest celebration of gaming and esports to fans of all ages for 17 days.

The festival's flagship event, GameExpo, returns to Dubai World Trade Centre from 9th to 11th May, featuring eight themed gaming zones. Highlights include exclusive meet-and-greets with top gaming influencers, high-stakes esports tournaments, retro arcade games, Sim Racing, and Web3 gaming experiences.

DEF 2025 aims to shape the future of gaming through its Educational Engagement Programme, offering students and educators interactive workshops, tournaments, and the chance to win prizes worth AED50,000.

The event will also see the launch of Play Beyond, delivering adrenaline-fueled challenges and electrifying matchups featuring top gaming influencers. Prominent content creator AboFlah will take to the stage once again, while esports professionals battle for the coveted Play Beyond trophy.

In parallel, the GameExpo Summit, taking place on 7th and 8th May at Dubai World Trade Centre, will convene over 100 global industry experts to explore emerging trends in gaming, including AI, Web3, mobile gaming, and the rapid growth of the MENA region's gaming ecosystem.