Dubai played host to the GameExpo Summit 2024, a premier international gaming conference, in conjunction with the Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF) 2024. Over 1,500 gaming professionals convened to delve into the burgeoning opportunities in gaming and esports within the region. Organized by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the two-day event, powered by Pocket Gamer Connects, featured more than 90 global and regional industry leaders and government representatives, including H.E. Aisha Abdulla Miran and Hadi Badri, among others.
The Summit, renowned as a pivotal platform for industry insights and networking, featured over 70 sessions covering diverse topics such as market growth strategies, AI integration, and MENA market dynamics. Notably, a workshop led by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) addressed legal aspects of intellectual property in gaming.
Highlighting Dubai’s commitment to becoming a global gaming hub, Hadi Badri emphasized the city’s investment in fostering innovation and technological advancement. The event aligned with Dubai’s vision outlined in the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033, aiming to rank among the top 10 global gaming cities.
Ahmed Al Khaja emphasized the Summit’s role in advancing Dubai’s gaming ecosystem, fostering dialogue, and attracting investments. Key activities included keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities. The Very Big Indie Pitch provided a platform for developers to showcase their work, while the MENA Games Industry Awards recognized excellence in various categories.
Moreover, the event showcased local talent through initiatives like the Dubai Games Creators crowdfunding platform, supporting startups like Hamad Khoory’s “Yowlah Masters” game concept.
The GameExpo Summit, supported by various sponsors and partners, underscored Dubai’s dedication to nurturing gaming innovation and entrepreneurship on a global scale.
