Dubai, UAE – The Dubai Esports & Games Festival (DEF 2024) is gearing up for its highly anticipated third edition, set to take place from April 19 to May 5 under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council. Organized by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), DEF 2024 aims to showcase Dubai’s unrivaled allure as the gaming hub of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
With a diverse lineup of events and activities spread across the city, DEF 2024 is poised to be the most expansive and thrilling installment yet, reaffirming Dubai’s global standing in the gaming landscape. Building on the success of previous years, this edition will feature over 50 games played on 200 machines, including 11 unreleased titles and 4 world-first showings. In 2023, the festival attracted a staggering 48,200 esports enthusiasts and participants from 91 different nationalities.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming festival, emphasizing its role in promoting the growth and transformation of Dubai’s digital economy. He highlighted DEF 2024’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of gaming and esports experiences, fostering connections among players, enthusiasts, and industry professionals on a global scale.
Aligned with Dubai’s economic agenda for innovation and technological advancement, DEF 2024 aims to bolster SME growth and drive digital innovation through its showcase of cutting-edge games and industry insights. At the heart of the festival lies the GameExpo, set to take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 3 to 5. This year, the GameExpo will introduce new zones catering to different interests, including the Gaming District, Future Zone, Retro Zone, and The Narrows, offering attendees an immersive journey through gaming culture.
Families can look forward to bonding over gaming battles in the Family Zone, while tech enthusiasts can explore the Electric Avenue for the latest gaming gear. Additionally, GameExpo 2024 will feature diverse activations such as cosplay, esports tournaments, coding workshops, and Minecraft education challenges, ensuring an engaging experience for all visitors.
The festival’s Play Beyond segment will host thrilling gaming contests, providing fans with the opportunity to witness top regional and global gamers in action. DEF 2024 will also include Ramadan online tournaments, igniting excitement among the gaming community during the festive period.
Furthermore, DEF 2024 aims to inspire the next generation of gaming enthusiasts through educational initiatives such as the Microsoft MakeCode Competition and Minecraft Education Challenge. Students will have the opportunity to engage with industry experts through talks and tournaments, fostering a passion for gaming and digital innovation.
Professionals in the gaming industry can leverage the GameExpo Summit, powered by Pocket Gamer Connects, to expand their knowledge and network with industry leaders. This two-day conference, scheduled for May 1 and 2, will feature talks, panels, and networking opportunities, providing valuable insights into the business of gaming and esports.
With its diverse lineup of events and commitment to innovation, DEF 2024 is poised to solidify Dubai’s position as a leading gaming destination on the international stage, offering an unforgettable experience for gaming enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.
