Latest news with #AboFlah
Trade Arabia
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Trade Arabia
Dubai Esports & Games Festival kicks off
The Dubai Esports & Games Festival (DEF) 2025, organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), has opened with a citywide celebration of fun, creativity, and pop culture like no other. There's something in store for everyone, with exciting new features, free-to-play experiences, mega prizes worth over AED500,000, and all-round unmissable activities for all ages, interests, and abilities. Friends, families, and fans are guaranteed truly unforgettable experiences throughout the 17 action-packed days of the festival till May 11. Everyone has the chance to take part, play, and win - especially during DEF's eagerly awaited flagship event, GameExpo, that will once again take over Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from May 9 to 11, this year in Zabeel Halls 2 and 3. Tickets are on sale for the weekend-long event, which returns bigger, bolder, and more immersive than ever before. Friends and families will be able to discover an exciting line-up of non-stop gaming, fresh new activations, next-level entertainment, immersive activities, and exciting prizes spread across eight interactive zones - with every experience completely free to play. Adding to the excitement, epic influencer showdowns will take centre stage as part of Play Beyond on May 10 and 11, featuring the region's top gaming influencers and esports pros like Abo Flah. The final day of GameExpo on May 11 will set the stage for the thrilling Dubai Cosplay Championship, with registration open until May 7 for cosplayers of all levels and abilities to showcase their creativity for a chance to win prizes worth up to AED30,000 - judged by top cosplayers from the region. -
Zawya
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Dubai Esports & Games Festival 2025 kicks off today
RELATED TOPICS LEISURE RELATED COMPANIES Rove Hotels Microsoft Tiktok Virgin Radio Asi Red Bull Unreal Engine Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The wait is over! Dubai Esports & Games Festival (DEF) 2025, organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), officially kicks off today 25 April and runs until 11 May with a citywide celebration of fun, creativity, and pop culture like no other. There's something in store for everyone, with exciting new features, free-to-play experiences, mega prizes worth over AED 500,000, and all-round unmissable activities for all ages, interests, and abilities. Friends, families, and fans are guaranteed truly unforgettable experiences throughout the 17 action-packed days of the festival. Everyone has the chance to take part, play, and win - especially during DEF's eagerly awaited flagship event, GameExpo, that will once again take over Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 9 to 11 May, this year in Zabeel Halls 2 and 3. Tickets are on sale for the weekend-long event, which returns bigger, bolder, and more immersive than ever before. Friends and families will be able to discover an exciting line-up of non-stop gaming, fresh new activations, next-level entertainment, immersive activities, and exciting prizes spread across eight interactive zones - with every experience completely free to play. Adding to the excitement, epic influencer showdowns will take centre stage as part of Play Beyond on 10 and 11 May, featuring the region's top gaming influencers and esports pros like Abo Flah. The final day of GameExpo on 11 May will set the stage for the thrilling Dubai Cosplay Championship, with registration open until 7 May for cosplayers of all levels and abilities to showcase their creativity for a chance to win prizes worth up to AED 30,000 - judged by top cosplayers from the region. Here are the top highlights to look out for this week: DEF Educational Engagement Programme Date: Until 8 May Location: Citywide and online About: The DEF Educational Engagement Programme has been inspiring the next generation of young gamers for years - and this year, it's back, bigger and fresher than ever. Packed with brand-new experiences, the citywide programme gives school students and educators a unique chance to dive into the dynamic world of esports and gaming, and compete for incredible prizes worth an astounding AED 50,000 across tournaments and challenges. On 8 May, students also have the chance to visit DEF's flagship GameExpo event on a school trip, offering them an immersive experience in the world of gaming innovation. 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, designed to offer valuable insights into game design, AI integration and Teacher takeaways. Power Up Parade Week Date: 28 April to 2 May Location: Citywide About: As part of the DEF Educational Engagement Programme, the Power Up Parade Week invites students, teachers, and parents to dress up as their favourite gaming characters. Schools can showcase creativity and win amazing prizes by posting the best costumes on social media and tagging @DubaiFestivals with the hashtag #DEFPowerUp to enter the official contest. Game Changers Date: Deadline to submit - 30 April Location: Online and at GameExpo, Dubai World Trade Centre Zabeel Halls 2 and 3 About: Adding to the excitement of the DEF Educational Engagement Programme, the Game Changers initiative invites student teams to dream big and develop bold ideas that harness the power of gaming to reshape education, ignite innovation, or drive social good. Individuals or teams are invited to submit proposals exploring how gaming can inspire innovation, support education, or drive social impact. Submissions can include ideas for new game concepts, gaming in education or tackling real-world issues through gaming. The top five submissions, selected by industry judges, will be invited to present live at DEF's GameExpo on 8 May. Finalists receive prizes from sponsors and be recognised as DEF's most forward-thinking young talents. ENBD Fortnite Quest Date: Until 8 May Location: Online and at GameExpo, Dubai World Trade Centre Zabeel Halls 2 and 3 About: A recurring highlight of the DEF Educational Engagement Programme, the ENBD Fortnite Quest has returned bigger than ever this year, continuing its mission to find and crown the best Fortnite player in the UAE. This nationwide esports competition provides an opportunity for students to showcase their skills in a high-energy, high-stakes environment. School and online qualifiers are currently ongoing until 26 April, culminating in a live final on 8 May at DEF's GameExpo on 8 May. For an added level of excitement, this year's finals will feature a custom Dubai-themed Fortnite map, allowing players to compete in a uniquely immersive gaming environment for a chance to take home winning trophies and prizes worth AED 20,000. GameOn with HP Gaming Garage Date: Until 8 May Location: Online and at GameExpo, Dubai World Trade Centre Zabeel Halls 2 and 3 About: Adding even more depth to DEF Educational Engagement Programme is GameOn with HP Gaming Garage, an online hackathon that runs until 8 May. Students aged 13 years or older have the chance to work in teams of 2–3 to create Dubai-inspired game prototypes. Participants receive guidance during and after the hackathon, ensuring their concepts become polished prototypes ready for gaming platforms. Finalists have the opportunity to present their prototypes live at GameExpo on 8 May. JPEX Entertainment Exhibition Date: 25 to 27 April Location: Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), Expo City Dubai, Hall South 2A About: Calling all anime lovers, manga fans, cosplay enthusiasts and culture buffs. JPEX Entertainment Exhibition is landing at the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai from 25 to 27 April. It's the ultimate celebration of Japanese culture, creativity, and pop fandom, proudly showcasing the world of anime, live performances, creative workshops, and more. From traditional heritage to cutting-edge entertainment, JPEX will see vibrant stories come alive. Yalla Ludo Challenge Date: 29 April to 6 May Location: Online About: DEF's exclusive Yalla Ludo Challenge brings casual and competitive gamers together in a mobile-first competition, for the chance to earn exclusive in-game rewards, collectibles, and top-tier bragging rights by climbing the leaderboard. Running across the UAE, this event delivers bite-sized thrills and in-game glory as part of DEF 2025's diverse online tournaments. Rove Hotels Exclusive Offer Date: Until 12 May Location: Rove Downtown, Rove Trade Centre, Rove City Walk, and Rove Dubai Marina About: Attendees of GameExpo, GameExpo Summit, and Gaming Matters can enjoy an exclusive 25 per cent discount on stays at Rove Downtown, Rove Trade Centre, Rove City Walk, and Rove Dubai Marina. Perfect for those looking to stay close to the action or out-of-town visitors, the offer is valid for bookings made before 8 May for stays between 20 April and 12 May. The discount can be redeemed by entering the code Esports when booking through the Rove Hotels website. With a power-packed line-up of one-of-a-kind citywide events, there is something for everyone to explore, experience, and enjoy throughout DEF 2025. The festival brings together the best of entertainment and innovation in a dynamic, welcoming atmosphere for all ages and interests, offering a true celebration of community, creativity, and play. 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 and to register for ticket updates on Dubai Esports and Games Festival 2025, please visit the DEF 2025 website and follow @DubaiFestivals on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. About Dubai Esports and Games Festival Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF 2025) takes place from 25 April to 11 May. Launched in 2022, the annual festival returns to the Dubai World Trade Centre once again this year. The festival aims to set and influence trends across both the global and regional gaming industry, and bolster Dubai's position as a global hub for esports and interactive tech-driven entertainment, and as a global city at the forefront of innovation. DEF 2025 features a combination of events including a lively GameExpo, esports tournaments, and influencer challenges, alongside GameExpo Summit, a thought-provoking and business stimulating conference and B2B networking event that connects companies from around the world. About Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), is responsible for developing Dubai's retail and festival sectors and supporting the positioning of Dubai as a world-class tourism destination with year-round family entertainment, shopping and events. For further information, please contact: Dubai Economy and Tourism mediarelations@
Khaleej Times
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Dh500,000 in prizes: Dubai's biggest gaming celebration to begin May 9
Dubai Esports & Games Festival (DEF) 2025 kicks off on Friday, unleashing 17 days of action-packed fun, creativity, and pop culture across the city. Organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the festival promises prizes worth over Dh500,000, alongside free-to-play gaming experiences, influencer showdowns, and interactive activities for fans of all ages. Running until May 11, DEF 2025 transforms Dubai into a gaming and entertainment playground, with a special focus on GameExpo, the event taking over Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from May 9 to 11. Set in Zabeel Halls 2 and 3, the weekend-long expo will feature eight interactive zones, thrilling tournaments, and influencer battles, including top regional names like Abo Flah. Cosplayers will take center stage on the final day for the Dubai Cosplay Championship, with prizes worth up to Dh30,000. Educational initiatives The excitement extends beyond DWTC, with citywide and online events aimed at students, educators, and families. The DEF Educational Engagement Programme runs until May 8, offering school visits, game design workshops, and competitions with prizes worth Dh50,000. Some key features are: Power Up Parade Week (April 28 to May 2): Schools compete in costume contests by dressing up as gaming characters for a chance to win by tagging @DubaiFestivals and using #DEFPowerUp. Game changers: Students can submit ideas that use gaming for social good or educational innovation by April 30, with finalists presenting at GameExpo. ENBD Fortnite quest: Ongoing until May 8, the contest features a custom Dubai-themed map, culminating in a live final at GameExpo with Dh20,000 in prizes. GameOn with HP gaming garage: A hackathon running until May 8, where teens create Dubai-inspired game prototypes, mentored by industry professionals. Online challenges Fans of Japanese culture can head to the JPEX Entertainment Exhibition from April 25 to 27 at Expo City Dubai, featuring anime, cosplay, live performances, and creative workshops. Casual gamers can join the Yalla Ludo Challenge from April 29 to May 6, battling it out online for exclusive in-game rewards and leaderboard glory. Travel and stay perks Visitors can enjoy a 25 per cent discount on stays at participating Rove Hotels until May 12. The offer is valid for bookings made before May 8 using the code Esports. With a power-packed lineup of one-of-a-kind citywide events, there is something for everyone to explore, experience, and enjoy throughout DEF 2025. The festival brings together the best of entertainment and innovation in a dynamic, welcoming atmosphere for all ages and interests, offering a true celebration of community, creativity, and play.
Khaleej Times
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
YouTube turns 20: UAE, Egypt, Saudi see big increase in number of channels earning 7 figures
About $70 billion have been paid out to creators, artists, and media companies over the last three years, according to YouTube, which just celebrated its 20th anniversary with more than 20 billion videos being uploaded to the platform since the first clip debuted in April 2005. In the Mena region, YouTube said there has been a significant increase in channels making 7 figures or more in revenues year-on-year on the platform in the UAE, KSA, and Egypt. The moment underscores YouTube's role in fostering creative entrepreneurship and shaping entertainment across the region. As of December 2024, the number of channels earning 7 figures (1,000,000) or more in Saudi riyal increased by 40 per cent as compared to 2023. Egypt also saw a 60 per cent increase in channels reaching 7-figure annual revenues in Egyptian pound, while the UAE experienced a 15 per cent growth in dirhams during the same period. YouTube did not reveal the real numbers but only showed the percentage increase. In 2010, YouTube launched its Arabic-language user interface to help more people from across the region to share their voice with the world. Two years later, in 2012, the social media platform launched the YouTube Partner Programme in MENA to help creators earn a living by doing what they love. Javid Aslanov, head of YouTube in MENA, said in a statement sent to Khaleej Times: "We celebrate the phenomenal work of creators across MENA and their role in driving the region's popular culture. These creative entrepreneurs skillfully leveraged YouTube's diverse formats to share their voices and also build thriving businesses that reach global audiences.' He noted YouTube has provided a platform for diverse voices from pioneering Saudi comedy shows like Hatoon Kadi's Noon Niswa and the animated Masameer to Mohamed Abdelhafez's World of Agriculture whose agricultural tips have amassed over 102 million views to date. 'Some of the region's most iconic moments took place on YouTube – from Queen Rania of Jordan's receipt of the YouTube Visionary Award, to the Harlem shake at the Pyramids of Egypt, AboFlah's fundraiser for refugees, and Thamanyah's Guinness Record breaking podcast episode about relationships,' he added. YouTube also revealed more than 95 per cent of watch time for content from channels in the UAE came from outside the country, alongside over 60 per cent for content produced by channels in Egypt. 'The diversity of content reflects the richness of MENA's stories and culture and in turn, the platform's reach,' Aslanov noted. Meanwhile, one of the first videos uploaded to YouTube from MENA was a video of a festival in Morocco posted 19 years ago. Take a look at it here: YouTube says that it now sees an average of some 20 million videos uploaded daily – from concert clips, tutorials, podcasts to political ads, celebrations, and more. The platform reached more than 2.5 billion viewers globally last year, and hit 100 million subscribers to its music and premium tier, according to market tracker Statista.
Broadcast Pro
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
YouTube marks 20 years with surge in million-dollar channels across MENA
YouTube, a key force in MENA's creator economy, reported a 40% rise in Saudi channels and a 15% rise in UAE channels earning seven figures annually as of December 2024. As YouTube celebrates its 20th anniversary, the platform has released new data showing a sharp year-over-year increase in the number of channels generating seven-figure revenues in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The milestone underscores YouTube's growing impact on the creator economy across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), as well as its enduring role as a platform for self-expression, learning and entertainment. According to YouTube's latest figures, as of December 2024, the number of channels earning more than seven figures in Saudi Riyals grew by 40%, while Egypt recorded a 60% increase in channels earning in the millions of Egyptian Pounds. In the UAE, the rise was 15% in channels achieving comparable success in Emirati Dirhams. This growth reflects not only increased viewership and creator success but also YouTube's continued investment in monetisation tools and support for local talent. Javid Aslanov, Head of YouTube in MENA, said: 'As YouTube turns 20, we celebrate the phenomenal work of creators across MENA and their role in driving the region's popular culture. These creative entrepreneurs skillfully leveraged YouTube's diverse formats to share their voices and also build thriving businesses that reach global audiences. We're proud to be able to support them in their journey and can't wait to see what the next 20 years holds.' The platform's global influence is especially evident in the international reach of MENA creators. YouTube revealed that over 95% of watch time for content produced in the UAE comes from viewers outside the country. Similarly, more than 60% of the watch time for Egyptian channels originates from international audiences, highlighting the region's storytelling appeal on the global stage. Since launching its Arabic-language interface in 2010 and the YouTube Partner Programme in MENA in 2012, YouTube has opened doors for a new generation of creators to monetise their content. From pioneering Saudi comedy shows like Noon Niswa by Hatoon Kadi and the animated Masameer, to educational successes like Mohamed Abdelhafez's World of Agriculture, which has amassed over 102 million views, YouTube has become home to a diverse and growing body of work that reflects the cultural richness of the region. Some of the most iconic digital moments from MENA have unfolded on YouTube—from Queen Rania of Jordan receiving the YouTube Visionary Award to viral moments like the Harlem Shake at the Pyramids of Egypt, AboFlah's massive refugee fundraiser and Thamanyah's record-breaking podcast episode on relationships. The platform's wide reach continues to grow. In May 2024 alone, YouTube reached 20m people in Saudi Arabia and 7.5m adults over 18 in the UAE. In Qatar, it connected with over 1.7m viewers aged 25–54. As consumption patterns shift toward larger screens, YouTube also reported that it reached more than 12m users in Saudi Arabia, over 2.5m in the UAE, and 600,000 in Qatar via connected TVs. With a growing suite of content formats—including video-on-demand, podcasts, live streaming and connected TV—YouTube is giving creators more ways than ever to tell stories in the formats that resonate most with their audiences. Globally, YouTube has shared $70bn with creators, artists, and media companies over the past three years, and supports over three million content partners today.
