The Dubai Esports & Games Festival (DEF) will return for its sixth edition from April 9-25, 2027, expanding to 17 days of gaming, esports, education, technology and industry activities across the city.
Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the 2027 festival will introduce an expanded citywide programme designed to bring together players, fans, students, gaming talent and industry professionals.
Among the additions will be Dubai Games Week, alongside expanded esports, education and industry-focused experiences. The festival will conclude with its flagship GameExpo, taking place from April 23-25 at Dubai World Trade Centre.
The announcement follows the fifth edition in 2026, which attracted more than 43,000 visitors, while AED 1 million in prizes was awarded across gaming, esports and cosplay competitions.
Dubai Games Week joins expanded 2027 programme
DEF 2027 will build on the festival’s combination of entertainment and competitive gaming while creating more opportunities to play, compete, learn and connect across Dubai.
The introduction of Dubai Games Week will form part of that expansion, with further education, esports and industry experiences planned for the sixth edition.
The programme will also continue to connect gaming communities with businesses and emerging talent as Dubai develops its wider gaming and esports ecosystem.
DEF builds connections across gaming, education and industry
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, said:
“The Dubai Esports & Games Festival has established itself as an important platform for Dubai’s growing gaming and esports ecosystem. Its return from 9 to 25 April 2027 gives us another opportunity to showcase how gaming connects entertainment, education and economic opportunity across the city. Building on the success of the fifth edition, DEF 2027 will further expand opportunities for players, fans, students, talent and industry professionals to engage, in line with the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and our continued efforts to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global hub for gaming, esports and digital innovation.
“Organisations and brands have played a big role in the success of previous DEF editions and 2027 will be no different. We invite companies to be part of DEF 2027 and help boost the growth of the gaming industry in Dubai.”
GameExpo returns to Dubai World Trade Centre
The 17-day festival will close with GameExpo, returning to Dubai World Trade Centre from April 23-25, 2027.
The three-day flagship event will combine esports competitions, community gaming experiences, immersive entertainment and opportunities for industry engagement.
An expanded programme is planned for 2027, with further details on the festival’s activities and experiences expected ahead of its April return.
For updates ahead of the festival, follow Dubai Festivals on Instagram and TikTok.
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