Dubai Esports and Games Festival 2025: 17-day gaming celebration from 25 April to 11 May
Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) will host one of the biggest gaming events of the year in the form of the , held from 25 April to 11 May 2025. The fourth edition of the festival will witness a thrilling range of entertainment, competitions, and industry events that will further strengthen Dubai’s image as a world gaming destination.
Dubai GameExpo 2025
GameExpo 2025, scheduled from 9 to 11 May at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Zabeel Halls 2 and 3, will serve as one of the biggest and most immersive gaming events in the region. With eight dedicated gaming zones, it offers experiences for all types of gamers.
The GameExpo will feature various gaming zones, including high-stakes esports tournaments for professional gamers, family-friendly casual and social gaming areas, nostalgic retro arcade experiences, and immersive VR and AR gaming zones.
This year’s event will also feature The Narrows, a vibrant marketplace showcasing merchandise, gaming technologies, and industry trends. Visitors can explore offerings from local vendors, game developers, and tech creators.
Apart from that, there is also a GameExpo Summit, powered by Pocket Gamer Connects and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), that will take place on 7-8 May at DWTC Zabeel Hall 1. This two-day event will feature over 100 expert speakers discussing key topics such as the integration of AI and Web3 in gaming, emerging trends in mobile gaming, and investment opportunities in the MENA region’s gaming sector.
Cosplay championship
Cosplay enthusiasts will take centre stage at Dubai Cosplay Championship 2025 on 10 May at DWTC Zabeel Halls 2 and 3. The cosplay highlights include an opening act that showcases elaborate transformations, a daily cosplay catwalk where participants can display their costumes on an open runway, and a main cosplay competition where regional cosplayers compete for cash prizes and titles.
Game Quest Express for career opportunities
Game Quest Express will introduce interactive and educational experiences, allowing students to explore career opportunities in gaming and esports through expert-led workshops and school visits.
The MENA Games Awards will recognise outstanding achievements in game development, esports, and innovation. With discussions on industry trends and technological advancements, it serves as a major highlight for developers, publishers, and investors.
