Latest news with #PlayBeyond
CairoScene
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
GameExpo 2025 Turns Dubai Into a Gamer's Playground for Three Days
Dubai's biggest gaming event returns May 9th to 11th with free-esports matches, cosplay competitions, and influencer faceoffs. May 04, 2025 GameExpo 2025 is taking over Dubai World Trade Centre's Zabeel Halls 2 and 3 from May 9th to the 11th, transforming the space into a multi-zone gaming game and activity is free to play, with esports tournaments, cosplay showcases, influencer challenges, and pop-up activations running across the three-day festival. Interactive areas include a retro gaming zone, kid-friendly versions of popular titles, motion-based games, and immersive dance-offs. Attendees can also watch live finals of national school tournaments, test out new releases by local developers, or compete for prizes in skill-based festival's influencer showdown, Play Beyond, takes place May 10th and 11th with regional gaming personalities. GameExpo is part of the annual Dubai Esports and Games Festival, now in its third year. In previous editions, the event has drawn thousands of attendees and featured first-looks at unreleased games. Esports in the region has grown steadily in recent years, with GCC countries investing in events, streaming, and game development. Tickets range from AED 39 to AED 199, with discounted rates for students and families. Travel options include Dubai Metro and multiple public parking options, including valet and reduced-rate passes for festivalgoers.
Al Etihad
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Dubai Esports and Games Festival to open Friday with biggest citywide gaming celebration
23 Apr 2025 16:35 DUBAI (WAM)The Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) will launch the fourth edition of the Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF) 2025 on Friday, bringing the region's largest celebration of gaming and esports to fans of all ages for 17 festival's flagship event, GameExpo, returns to Dubai World Trade Centre from May 9 to 11, featuring eight themed gaming zones. Highlights include exclusive meet-and-greets with top gaming influencers, high-stakes esports tournaments, retro arcade games, Sim Racing, and Web3 gaming 2025 aims to shape the future of gaming through its Educational Engagement Programme, offering students and educators interactive workshops, tournaments, and the chance to win prizes worth Dh50, event will also see the launch of Play Beyond, delivering adrenaline-fueled challenges and electrifying matchups featuring top gaming influencers. Prominent content creator AboFlah will take to the stage once again, while esports professionals battle for the coveted Play Beyond trophy. In parallel, the GameExpo Summit, taking place on May 7 and 8 at Dubai World Trade Centre, will convene over 100 global industry experts to explore emerging trends in gaming, including AI, Web3, mobile gaming, and the rapid growth of the MENA region's gaming ecosystem.
FACT
25-02-2025
- Entertainment
- FACT
The fourth edition of the Dubai Esports and Games Festival is on the way
Gamers, get ready to power up because the Dubai Esports & Games Festival (DEF) is back for its fourth edition. Promising to be bigger and bolder than ever, this edition will take place from 25 April to 11 May, transforming Dubai into the ultimate gaming paradise. At the heart of the Dubai Esports and Games Festival lies the GameExpo, set to take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Zabeel Halls 2 from 9 to 11 May. This year, GameExpo promises an expanded lineup of world exclusives, gaming tournaments, and immersive experiences that will leave you breathless. Dive into the Gaming District to discover the latest releases, explore the Future Zone for a glimpse into tomorrow's tech-infused gaming world, or take a trip down memory lane in the Retro Zone. And check out The Narrows for a bustling shopping alley filled with talented artists showcasing their craft. The GameExpo 2025 will also include activities such as cosplay, esports tournaments, coding workshops, and Minecraft education challenges, guaranteeing an immersive and engaging experience for all visitors. Don't miss the GameExpo Summit on 7 and 8 May, where you can power up your knowledge, connect with industry experts, and discover the latest trends shaping the future of gaming and esports. With talks, panels, networking opportunities, and more, it's the place to be for anyone serious about the business of gaming. If you're looking to bond with the family over some friendly gaming battles, head over to the new Family Zone, where gamers of all ages can come together for a bit of wholesome competition. And for all tech enthusiasts, Electric Avenue is your one-stop shop for the latest and greatest gaming gear from specialised electronic retailers. At the Play Beyond, top regional and global stars will go head-to-head in the ultimate gaming showdown. With exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities and thrilling esports competitions, Play Beyond is where the magic will unfold. Students will have the chance to supercharge their digital skills through competitions like the Microsoft MakeCode Competition and the Minecraft Education Challenge, as well as gain insider insights into the gaming industry through Industry Expert Talks held in schools and universities. See you there, gamers! GO: Visit for more information.
Hi Dubai
24-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Esports and Games Festival Returns for a 17-Day Gaming Extravaganza from April 25
Dubai is gearing up for the return of the highly anticipated Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF) 2025, set to take place from April 25 to May 11. Announced by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the fourth edition of the region's largest gaming and esports event promises to deliver a dynamic blend of competitions, industry insights, and family-friendly entertainment. As Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a global gaming hub, DEF 2025 will offer unparalleled experiences for gaming enthusiasts of all ages. This year's festival will feature exclusive meet-and-greet sessions with gaming legends, world-first game showings, and the return of fan-favorite experiences like the GameExpo, GameExpo Summit, Dubai Cosplay Championship, and Play Beyond. With citywide tournaments and education challenges also on the agenda, DEF 2025 will cater to a wide spectrum of interests, from casual gamers to esports professionals. Immersive Gaming and Esports Action The heart of DEF 2025 will be the much-awaited GameExpo 2025, taking place from May 9 to 11 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). Spanning Zabeel Halls 2 and 3, the event will feature eight dedicated gaming zones, offering a diverse array of experiences, from high-stakes esports tournaments to casual family-friendly games, retro arcade challenges, and cutting-edge VR encounters. Fans can immerse themselves in the action at the Main Arena, Gaming District, Emirates NBD Family Zone, and Retro Zone, with two exciting new zones this year—the Quest: The New IRL Zone and Just Dance Zone. One of the event's highlights will be The Narrows, a vibrant marketplace showcasing the latest gaming merchandise, technologies, and trends. Fans will also have the chance to connect with local vendors and creators shaping the regional gaming industry. Meet Gaming Icons and Cosplay Showdowns GameExpo 2025 will also host exciting esports events, including Play Beyond, where regional and global pros will compete in intense battles for the coveted trophy. Fans can cheer on their favorite creators, participate in interactive gameplay, and meet them in exclusive sessions. Additionally, the Dubai Cosplay Championship will be a major attraction, with cosplayers competing for cash prizes while showcasing their creative skills and craftsmanship. Fans can witness impressive costume transformations and participate in the Daily Cosplay Catwalk, a fun opportunity for anyone to display their own creations. Empowering Young Talent DEF 2025 will continue its educational focus with the DEF Educational Engagement Programme, designed to inspire young minds and empower the next generation of gaming talent. The programme includes contests like the Minecraft Education Challenge, ENBD Fortnite Quest, and GameOn with HP Gaming Garage hackathon, which offers aspiring developers hands-on experience in game design and coding. Schools and universities can also participate in interactive workshops, career talks, and immersive gaming experiences, further bridging the gap between education and the thriving gaming industry. GameExpo Summit: Shaping the Future of Gaming For those seeking industry insights, the GameExpo Summit will be the place to be. Powered by Pocket Gamer Connects and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), this two-day conference (May 7-8) will feature over 100 expert speakers discussing trends in AI, Web3, mobile gaming, and the expansion of the MENA gaming sector. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge on the Metaverse, investment opportunities, and future gaming technologies, while networking with developers, publishers, and investors. The summit will also host the prestigious MENA Games Awards, celebrating innovation and excellence in the regional gaming landscape. Get Your Tickets Now Tickets for GameExpo 2025 are now available, with various early bird discounts for fans. One-day passes start from AED29 for students and AED44 for adults, while three-day passes are available from AED49 for students and AED99 for adults. Exclusive Pro Gamer Experience tickets, which offer meet-and-greet sessions with influencers, start from AED149. Families can also enjoy discounts with special passes for groups of six. News Source: Dubai Media Office
