The power-packed Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF) is soon opening the doors to its eagerly awaited flagship GameExpo event, inviting families, friends, and fans of all ages from across the city to experience an epic weekend of non-stop free-to-play experiences, thrilling live contests, action-packed tournaments, and creative competitions with incredible chances to win mega prizes worth up to AED 500,000. Open and accessible for everyone to attend, explore, and enjoy from 9 to 11 May, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Zabeel Halls 2 and 3 are unleashing the thrill of competition, fun, creativity, and adventure for all – whether stopping by for a spontaneous dance-off, showcasing cosplay craftsmanship, exploring nostalgic arcade games, or watching top creators battle it out live on stage.

Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), this year’s GameExpo promises a bustling playground full of excitement and discovery. Every single experience is completely free to play, buzzing with the energy of live gaming and pop culture in an inclusive and welcoming space with endless opportunities for anyone and everyone to get involved, try something new, and win big. Tickets are still up for grabs, exclusively on Platinumlist.

FREE-TO-PLAY ALL WEEKEND

A high-energy, action-packed programme awaits visitors in the Main Arena, the beating heart of GameExpo to witness the best competitive play live in action across top-tier gaming tournaments with electrifying commentary and live-streamed content on crowd-favourite titles like EA FC 25, Tekken 8, Valorant and Fortnite. A not-to-be-missed highlight is the Bloom World Academy Minecraft Family Challenge on 10 May, which invites families of three to connect, collaborate, and compete for incredible prizes, all while enjoying the thrill of friendly competition under the GameExpo spotlight.

Those ready to take on the spotlight can step into the Gaming District, with 9 themed towers featuring over 100 devices across PC and console promise thrilling matchups, mini-tournaments, quick-fire competitions on top titles, together with showcases from top publishers including a special highlight from UAE homegrown PC game developers Foxrito and Dark Emerald Studio. The Emirates NBD Family Zone returns by popular demand with inclusive, all-age experiences, interactive and hands-on gaming, complete with gaming consoles such as XBOX and PlayStation as well as the exclusive Emirates NBD Fortnite Map – all in an electrifying family-friendly atmosphere.

Fans of movement, music, and bold performances won’t want to miss a thrilling live stage, an open dance floor, and spontaneous matches throughout the day at the Just Dance Zone in collaboration with Ubisoft, where participants of all ages can join dance-offs, win giveaways, or simply show off their best moves. Adding to the fun, the Dubai Just Dance Championship will be hosted in collaboration with Ubisoft on 11 May at 3PM, for the chance for finalists to take home a Nintendo Switch and many more amazing prizes. For those who love testing their skills and strategy in exciting ways, The Amazon Quest, an “In Real Life” (IRL) experience brought to you by Amazon for the first-time in GameExpo, offers five challenges specially designed to test participants’ real-world skills, strategy, and coordination. It’s a space where anyone can jump in, play, and compete for prizes from Amazon.ae – no consoles, controllers, or experience needed.

Meanwhile, the Modesh Retro Zone brings the past to life with legendary arcade machines like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Donkey Kong. Visitors can also participate in an epic remote control racing challenge on a custom-built track by Otaku ME, along with an immersive building experience in a dedicated workshop space. Attendees also have a chance to win exciting giveaways of exclusive Modesh merchandise in fun competitions throughout the day, in addition to meeting Modesh himself as he makes special appearances from 9-11 May between 6-8PM.

Lastly, the DEF Main Stage hosts the UAE’s largest inter-school gaming finals, fan-favourite streamers, exciting Red Bull match-ups, electrifying live shows, and epic clashes in Fortnite, Minecraft, Valorant, and more.

BIG-NAME BRANDS

GameExpo will also bring cutting-edge gaming and tech experiences from top partners and big-name brands including Red Bull, Bitget X SWEAT, AI Vista Photobooth, Anigma, Antifreeze, Arab Hardware, ASUS, Bandai Namco, Benefit, du, Dubai Police, EA, Emirates NBD, Geekay, Gillette, Haribo, Harmony Medical Group, LG, Manslight, Nasr Esports Academy, PlayStation, Rove Hotels, Techxhub, Tencent, The Game Company, The Vintage Company, Ultra PC Gamers, Virgin Radio, Xbox, and more.

EPIC INFLUENCER SHOWDOWNS

Get ready for the ultimate influencer face-off as Play Beyond returns to GameExpo on 10 and 11 May to deliver unparalleled excitement, high-stakes battles, and fan-fuelled energy. Everyone’s favourite influencer and MENA’s leading digital creator Abo Flah leads the charge with his signature charisma, joined by motorsports sensation Sultan Khalifa. They’ll take on the elite line-up from Nasr Esports Academy, including viral content creators 6th_kage, Khaled Dego, Aywa, and Sonson.Platinum in an epic contest for the coveted Play Beyond trophy. Fans have the chance to become part of the high-intensity action with on-stage gameplay, real-time audience participation, and a chance to meet their favourite creators in exclusive meet-and-greet moments.

COSPLAY CRAFTSMANSHIP

The Dubai Cosplay Championship is set to be one of the most eagerly awaited highlights of GameExpo on 11 May, bringing creativity, craftsmanship, and passion to the forefront for fans to compete, perform, or simply watch and admire as regional talent transforms into iconic characters. From the Cosplay Opening Act to the Daily Cosplay Catwalk and the main Cosplay Competition, fans have the chance to compete for cash prizes worth up to a whopping AED 30,000. Registrations are still open until 7 May for all those who want to take part through the Cosplay Registration Form.

EPIC TOURNAMENTS

GameExpo 2025 also hosts high-energy, headline tournaments for those looking to get involved in something bigger. The DEF Cup, in partnership with PlayStation, is a thrilling GCC-wide EA FC 25 tournament hosted exclusively on PS5 consoles. The competition brings a thrilling wildcard qualification opportunity hosted in the Gaming District at GameExpo on 9 May from 6-9pm for two lucky UAE residents to compete alongside six regional finalists to win their share of $10,000 during live finals hosted at GameExpo on 10 May. Meanwhile, mobile players can join the action in the Yalla Ludo Challenge, running until 6 May, with leaderboard races and exclusive in-game prizes up for grabs.

SCHOOL COMPETITIONS

School spirit takes centre stage at the DEF Education Day at GameExpo on 8 May, featuring the finals of top student competitions from the DEF Educational Engagement Programme with chances for young talent to win incredible prizes worth an astounding AED 50,000 across tournaments and challenges. The day promises innovation, teamwork, and high-stakes excitement as students cheer on their peers on the main stage as they compete across thrilling match-ups like the ENBD Fortnite Quest on a custom-built, Dubai-themed Fortnite map; an epic grand finale of the Minecraft Education Challenge in a custom-built Dubai-themed map; and the GameOn with HP Gaming Garage hackathon for young teams to pitch their own Dubai-inspired game prototypes to industry experts. Adding to the celebration of future talent, the Game Changers initiative shines a spotlight on student visionaries as they present bold ideas using gaming as a tool for education, innovation, and social impact. Alongside all the action on the day, students and educators can take part in expert-led presentations and exclusive interactive workshops delivered by senior educators from Microsoft and Unreal Engine, as well as endless brand-new experiences such as Play The Police, The Amazon Quest, new game releases, over 2,000 retro games.

TICKETS STILL ON SALE

Tickets for GameExpo 2025 are still on sale on Platinumlist. One-day entry is priced at AED 39 for students and AED 69 for adults. Those planning to attend all three days can opt for multi-day passes, priced at AED 69 for students and AED 139 for adults. A limited number of Pro Gamer Experience tickets are also available, giving fans one-day access to exclusive meet-and-greets with top creators such as Abo Flah, for AED 199. Families of six (two adults and four children) can enjoy a one-day pass for AED 149 or access all three days of GameExpo 2025 for AED 299.

GETTING TO GAMEEXPO HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER

Reaching the GameExpo is convenient and hassle-free for all visitors. The Dubai World Trade Centre is easily accessible via the Dubai Metro, several RTA bus routes, and taxis. Those choosing to drive can find ample parking throughout DWTC with six convenient paid car parks, two free car parks, as well as onsite valet services. GameExpo visitors can also benefit from an AED 5 discount on parking fees.

With never-ending tournaments to watch, endless games to play, mega prizes to win, and unforgettable creative moments to join, GameExpo 2025 brings Dubai’s biggest, most exciting, and most immersive three-day celebration of epic fun for everyone.

Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF) 2025 is supported by Strategic Partners which include: Amazon, du, Dubai Police, Dubai Sports Council, Emirates NBD, Red Bull, Rove, Roxy Cinemas, talabat, and Virgin Radio.

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