The Dubai Esports & Games Festival (DEF) has announced the winners of its Game Changers and Dubai Culture Imagination Heroes challenges, recognising thousands of students who showcased creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills across gaming, technology, and digital industries.
Through DEF’s Educational Engagement Program, the initiatives gave students hands-on opportunities to explore careers across gaming, technology, and creative industries. At the same time, participants developed practical skills in creativity, collaboration, and innovation.
The program was organized by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), in collaboration with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).
Its aim was to connect students with opportunities across gaming, technology, and digital sectors while bridging education with real-world industry experiences.
A special awards ceremony was held on the opening day of GameExpo at Dubai World Trade Centre.
The event was attended by His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, alongside a number of distinguished guests.
Thousands of students showcase future-ready skills
This year’s challenges attracted more than 7,300 entries across both competitions.
The Dubai Culture Imagination Heroes Challenge, supported by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, received 4,032 submissions from students aged five to 18.
Participants were tasked with creating original characters and imaginative worlds through drawing, digital art, physical models, and short video concepts.
Meanwhile, the Game Changers Challenge attracted 3,335 students aged 10 to 17. Working in teams of up to five members, participants developed innovative solutions to real-world and simulated challenges, demonstrating teamwork, critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Shortlisted teams later presented their ideas to a judging panel during GameExpo.
Khalfan Belhoul highlights importance of digital innovation
Reflecting on the programme, His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to supporting young talent in both traditional and digital sports.
He said:
“Supporting innovators in digital sports and esports is one of the cornerstones of the Dubai Sports Council’s strategy, which aims at cultivating a new generation of champions and future leaders.
We are dedicated to providing a stimulating environment and competitive platforms that empower our youth to harness their potential and transform their passion into tangible achievements, thereby solidifying Dubai’s position as a leading global destination for digital sports and innovation as well.”
His Excellency added:
“The exceptional creativity we are witnessing today in the Fantasy Champions and Change Makers challenges reflects the promising capabilities of our youth and underscores the successful integration of efforts among various Dubai institutions to link sports with education and technology.
These high-quality initiatives are perfectly aligned with the strategic objectives of the ‘Dubai Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033’ and effectively contribute to empowering talent and developing champions capable of excelling and competing on the international stage.”
Creativity takes centre stage
The Imagination Heroes Challenge highlighted the creative potential of students in Dubai Esports Festival across a wide range of age groups and artistic disciplines.
Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, said:
“The Imagination Heroes challenges highlight the remarkable creativity, innovation, and potential of young talent in digital arts, design, and creative content.
They demonstrate the importance of providing platforms that empower emerging creators to express their ideas, develop their skills, and transform their concepts into meaningful projects with real-world impact.
Initiatives such as this play a vital role in nurturing the next generation of creative talent and supporting the continued growth of the cultural and creative industries.”
She added:
“We are proud to support a challenge that has showcased exceptional imagination and creativity while providing participants with opportunities to explore their talents and develop new skills.
The quality of the submissions reflects the immense potential of young people to contribute to the future of the creative and digital sectors, helping to advance Dubai’s vision of a knowledge- and innovation-driven economy.”
Building the next generation of industry talent
Muna Al Falasi, Director of Esports and Games Strategy at Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), praised the quality of entries across both challenges.
She said:
“Across both the Dubai Culture Imagination Heroes Challenge and Game Changers Challenge, the standard of entries was exceptional.
Students demonstrated creativity, innovation, imagination, and the ability to translate their ideas into tangible outputs.
“The young people we have seen take part in these challenges are the future talent that will drive the gaming and digital industries forward and contribute to growth and economic impact.
Our goal was to provide relevant, hands-on experiences that encourage students to learn, develop, and understand the wealth of opportunities that await them in Dubai.
Their aptitude and application have shown the strength of emerging talent shaping the future of these rapidly expanding industries.”
Recognising Young Innovators
The Imagination Heroes Challenge celebrated creativity across multiple age categories.
In the 5-8 Years General category, recognition went to Viaan Sandeep from Al Diyafah High School, Pranay Acharya from GEMS Our Own High School, Jasmin from Capital School, Hajra from Al Salam Private School, and Mahashin Fidaa Maciy from GEMS Legacy School.
Among students aged 9-12 years, winners included Mohammed Ibrahim, Aktan Kasymaliev, and Hanaan from Al Salam Private School, alongside Amelie from Capital School and Rishit Ladva from GEMS Our Own High School.
The 13-18 Years General category recognised Daniell Rose from Collegiate School, Rasmiya Banu from GEMS Millennium School, Ashray Jijikumar from Bloomworld Academy, Samantha Eunice Rive from English Language Private School, and Leisha Daswani from Dubai International Academy, Emirates Hills.
In the Local Category, awards were presented to Hoor Rashed Al Yammahi, Maryam Mohamed Saeed Rashed Alsereidi, and Alyaa Mohamed Sultan Saif Alabdouli from Roumaitha Al-Ansariah School – Cycle 1.
The 9-12 Years local winners included Hamed Ahmed Alhadi, Saeed Ahmad Aljanabi, Zayed Sultan Masoud, and Saif Nasser Alkaabi from Applied Technology Schools (ATS) – Al Aqabiya Campus, as well as Mozah Rashed Salem from Roumaitha Al-Ansariah School – Cycle 1.
Meanwhile, the Game Changers Challenge highlighted innovative projects developed by student teams.
The Future Ready category recognised the Calm City System Game, created by Meera Abdulla Mohamed Jaber Al-Ali, Mezna Aadel Mohamed Ali Alnaqbi, Salama Fahad Mohamed Saif Alqaydi, and Reem Muntaser Mansoor Ali Alhadhrami from Applied Technology Schools (ATS) – AUH Female.
In the Play It Green category, Eco Play – Save Your World was developed by Fatima Seddiq Ali Zaid Alshehhi, Athba Mohamed Ali Balabd Alketbi, and Alreem Abdulrahman Hassan Mohamad Gharib from Applied Technology Schools (ATS) – Ajman.
Additional Future Ready winners included the team behind HIVE – Future You Simulator – Mayed Mohamed Hussain Jasim Al Lanjawi, Abdulla Fahad Abdulla Alkhatibi Alfalasi, and Saif Ahmad Humaid Baddaw Alfalasi from Applied Technology Schools (ATS) – Dubai –
While SPARK (AI Smart Jacket) was created by Ali Salem Ali Salem Alketbi and Abdulla Ali Muftah Khamis Alband from Zayed Educational Complex C2, C3.
The Cyber Smart category recognised Shield Up, developed by Naser Abdulla Yousef Jasem Alali from Applied Technology Schools (ATS) – Ras Al Khaimah.
Supporting Dubai’s digital future
The Game Changers and Imagination Heroes challenges form part of the wider Dubai Esports & Games Festival, which continues to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global hub for gaming, esports, and digital innovation.
By connecting students with industry opportunities and practical experiences, the programme aims to equip the next generation with the skills needed to succeed in rapidly evolving creative and technology sectors.
