Dubai Gaming and Esports Festival DEF 2026The Dubai Esports & Games Festival (DEF) will now take place from 22 May to 7 June 2026, with the expanded event set to transform the city into a high-energy celebration of gaming, esports, creativity and digital innovation that will bring people together.
For over two weeks, DEF 2026 will convene world-renowned creators, gamers and fans – further cementing Dubai’s well-deserved reputation as a major international hub for gaming and interactive entertainment.
Key highlights of the upcoming edition include the return of flagship events such as a three-day GameExpo of non-stop entertainment, competitions and immersive experiences; as well as Play Beyond and the Dubai Cosplay Championship.
There will also be new large-scale interactive experiences for families, youth, students and creators, including the debut of Neo Tokyo District, an immersive world for anime lovers; Battle Arena, featuring maze-style gameplay; and cutting-edge, high-intensity racing simulations at Velocity Garage.
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Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said, “The new dates provide the opportunity for Dubai Esports & Games Festival to extend its reach and impact even further, meaning more people can both enjoy and be part of this citywide celebration.”
Al Khaja added, “By aligning with a longer holiday period and making DEF even more accessible and convenient, we are curating an inclusive and engaging experience for everyone.”
As part of the DEF schedule, GameExpo, the ultimate gaming playground, will once again return from 5 to 7 June. Early-bird tickets are now on sale from AED 10, valid for a limited time.
Offering an extended Eid celebration, the new dates will give residents and visitors more flexibility to experience the festival across multiple weeks, providing attendees with an opportunity to enjoy greater programming of events, competitions and family-friendly activations.
For the first time ever, GameExpo attendees can enjoy free parking for up to six hours, ensuring a smooth experience for everyone.
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Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the flagship DEF event has grown year-on-year in support of Dubai’s ambitions to foster a dynamic digital and creative economy.
This year’s edition will be the most anticipated festival, bringing a new level of energy and experiences for all, making it a must-attend event.
Also a first for the festival, the Education & Gaming Summit will also take place on 4 June. With registration now open, this event will provide an opportunity to connect high-school students, universities and industry leaders to gain an understanding and explore pathways into the gaming sector.
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Aligned with the UAE’s ‘Year of the Family’, the festival’s fifth edition places even greater emphasis on youth engagement and multi-generational participation, creating inclusive experiences that unite families through play, creativity and shared discovery.
Further programme announcements, experiences and highlights will be revealed in the lead-up to the festival.
