20-05-2025
Dubai GameExpo Summit 2025 Draws Global Gaming Leaders and Boosts Regional Industry Growth
Dubai GameExpo Summit 2025 brought together over 1,400 gaming and esports professionals from 70 countries, reinforcing the UAE's growing status as a regional hub for the global gaming industry.
Hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre as part of the wider Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF), the summit was powered by Pocket Gamer Connects in collaboration with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Over 2,000 meetings were facilitated through the MeetToMatch platform, as attendees explored the rapidly expanding gaming ecosystem across the Middle East and North Africa.
The two-day event featured more than 75 speakers, including industry leaders and government officials, who led sessions on artificial intelligence, web3 technologies, growth strategies, and user acquisition.
One of the summit's key highlights was the launch of the PitchPlay competition, presented in partnership with DMCC Gaming Centre. The contest gave promising game start-ups a stage to present their innovations. The top prize of AED55,000 was awarded to Martin Lothe Saeterdal's studio, Filiokus, for its engaging approach to mobile games that make maths fun.
The Very Big Indie Pitch, a returning crowd favourite, also spotlighted rising indie developers and connected them with seasoned experts.
Muna Al Falasi, Director of Esports and Games Strategy at Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, called the summit a 'pivotal moment' in Dubai's journey to becoming a global gaming leader. She noted the event's role in accelerating digital innovation, supporting SMEs, and creating career opportunities in the sector.
With international participation and a clear focus on innovation, the summit underscored Dubai's strategic push to lead the gaming and esports space across the region.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
