The Dubai Esports & Games Festival (DEF) is set to run from May 8 to 24, marking its fifth and largest edition, with events spanning gaming tournaments, education, industry summits and a first-ever LEGO collaboration.
Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), a division of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the festival has grown since its launch in 2022 to become a fixture in the global gaming calendar.
In 2025, the festival drew more than 45,000 attendees across 12 events over 17 days.
What is the Dubai Esports & Games festival?
DEF is an annual festival held across Dubai that brings together esports competitions, gaming exhibitions, industry summits, youth education programmes and creative markets.
The 2026 edition arrives at a point of increased institutional support for the gaming sector in Dubai, following resolutions by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, establishing two committees – one for the film sector and one for gaming – as part of the emirate’s economic diversification plans.
The festival operates in alignment with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to place Dubai among the top three cities in the world.
“Dubai Esports & Games Festival has evolved into a strategic platform that reflects Dubai’s global ambition in gaming, esports and digital innovation. As we mark the fifth edition, DEF 2026 reinforces our commitment to attracting international talent and investment, empowering the next generation of creators, and accelerating the growth of the gaming ecosystem in line with Dubai’s long-term economic vision. By convening global industry leaders, developers, investors and fans in one citywide celebration, DEF continues to strengthen Dubai’s position as a major international hub for gaming and interactive entertainment,” Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) said in a statement.
The 2026 edition also reflects the UAE’s ‘Year of the Family’, with the programme placing emphasis on participation across age groups.
GameExpo 2026: Dates, location and what to expect
The centrepiece of DEF is GameExpo, which returns from 22 to 24 May at Zabeel Halls 2 and 3 of the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event will feature more than 100 gaming consoles, live tournament stages and 10 distinct interactive zones.
New additions to GameExpo this year include the Neo Tokyo District, Battle Arena and Velocity Garage. Returning elements include hands-on gameplay areas, retro gaming, the Dubai Cosplay Championship and a dedicated creative marketplace called The Narrows, which is supported by Dubai Culture and will spotlight local and Emirati businesses, artists and creators.
Food concepts and activations from partners including talabat, Nescafé and Dubai Culture will also feature at the event. Early bird tickets for GameExpo are available now via Platinumlist.
For the first time, DEF 2026 will feature a collaboration with LEGO Certified Stores. The partnership introduces interactive build zones and challenges at the festival, aimed at families and younger visitors. The addition brings a new dimension to the festival’s programme, broadening its reach to multi-generational audiences.
On 20 and 21 May, ahead of GameExpo, the GameExpo Summit powered by PG Connects will bring together developers, publishers, investors and industry figures from the region and internationally. The summit is intended to drive investment and collaboration within the gaming sector, in line with Dubai’s wider digital economy goals.
Passes for the GameExpo Summit are available via Platinumlist.
DEF 2026 will include an Educational Engagement Programme for students, schools and teachers. The programme offers workshops, competitions and activities built around gaming and digital skills, with the aim of developing skills for the future. Participation culminates in DEF Education Day on 21 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Teachers can register interest via def.gamecentric.io.
Registration is open to fans, students, teachers, industry professionals, vendors and sponsors. Cosplayers and creative vendors can register for the Dubai Cosplay Championship and The Narrows creative marketplace separately. Registration for The Narrows is open at www.uprizing.ae/the-narrows. Further information on the Cosplay Championship will be published at www.dubaiesportsfestival.com.
For updates and further announcements on DEF 2026, visit www.dubaiesportsfestival.com or follow @DubaiFestivals on Instagram and TikTok.