The fourth edition of the Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF) 2025 has launched in spectacular fashion, delivering its most immersive and action-packed experience yet. Organized by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the festival has transformed the city into a gaming and entertainment hub, offering free-to-play experiences, mega prizes worth over AED 500,000, and nonstop excitement until 11 May.
Opening Weekend Highlights
The JPEX Entertainment Exhibition at Expo City Dubai drew massive crowds with its electrifying showcase of Japanese anime, manga, cosplay, and pop culture. Fans enjoyed live performances, anime screenings, and interactive workshops, making it a must-visit for enthusiasts.
Meanwhile, the DEF PlayStation EA FC 25 Cup ignited fierce competition, offering two UAE players a wildcard chance to compete for a $10,000 prize pool in the regional finals.
Education Meets Esports
The DEF Educational Engagement Programme continues to inspire young minds through workshops, competitions, and challenges led by industry experts. Highlights include:
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ENBD Fortnite Quest qualifiers, leading to a live finale on 8 May featuring a custom Dubai-themed Fortnite map.
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The Minecraft Education Challenge, where students will battle on a Dubai-inspired map at GameExpo.
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Exclusive sessions by Microsoft, Unreal Engine, and HP Gaming Garage, blending gaming with learning.
GameExpo 2025: Bigger, Bolder, Unmissable
From 9–11 May, GameExpo takes over Dubai World Trade Centre (Zabeel Halls 2 & 3) with eight themed zones, including:
🎮 Retro Zone – Classic arcade nostalgia
👨👩👧👦 Emirates NBD Family Zone – Fun for all ages
🆕 Amazon Quest: The New IRL Zone – Interactive real-life gaming
💃 Just Dance Zone – Brought to you by Ubisoft
🏆 Main Arena & Gaming District – High-stakes tournaments & challenges
🛍️ The Narrows – Exclusive gaming merch & collectibles
🍔 talabat F&B Zones – Fuel up between sessions
Cosplay, Influencers & Cinematic Gaming Nights
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Dubai Cosplay Championship (11 May) – Compete for AED 30,000 in prizes, with meet-and-greets featuring top regional cosplayers.
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Play Beyond (10–11 May) – Watch Abo Flah and top influencers battle for glory in high-energy showdowns.
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DEF x Roxy Cinemas Gamers Night (7 May) – A special screening of Marvel’s Thunderbolts with a free GameExpo Pro Gamer Pass (worth AED 199).
More Ways to Play & Win
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Yalla Ludo Challenge (29 Apr–6 May) – Mobile gamers can win exclusive in-game rewards.
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Red Bull Gaming Grounds, Web3 Pavilion, and activations from Dubai Police, Gillette, Haribo, and more add to the festival’s thrill.
DEF 2025 is powered by Amazon, du, Dubai Police, Emirates NBD, Red Bull, Rove, talabat, Virgin Radio, and more.
Don’t miss out—join the ultimate gaming celebration before it ends on 11 May! 🎮
