Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF) 2026 is set to return from 8 to 24 May. The 17-day extravaganza promises non-stop action for gamers, families, developers, and industry professionals alike.
Highlights for this year include the return of the huge GameExpo and GameExpo Summit, as well as Play Beyond and the Dubai Cosplay Championship.
Vendors and sponsors can register to explore participation opportunities, while cosplayers can register separately to compete in the 'Dubai Cosplay Championship' and participate in 'The Narrows', DEF’s dedicated creative marketplace spotlighting homegrown artists, designers, and pop-culture creators.
GameExpo runs from 21 to 24 May at Dubai World Trade Centre, turning the venue into a gamer's paradise. Spread across two halls, Zabeel Halls 2 and 3, the expo will be split into ten zones, including the Neo Tokyo District, the Battle Arena, and the Velocity Garage, with over 100 gaming consoles throughout.
The main arena hosts pulse-pounding esports tournaments, while the demo zones let you try unreleased games, dive into virtual worlds, and test the latest tech hands-on.
GameExpo Summit, happening on 20 and 21 May, will feature industry leaders, tech pioneers, investors, and game developers, providing scope for networking, insights, and innovation.
Alongside the gaming action, attendees can explore a curated selection of food concepts, adding to the overall festival atmosphere.
That's not all! For the first time, DEF 2026 will feature a collaboration with LEGO® certified stores, where children can explore interactive LEGO zones.
Registration for 'The Narrows' is now open, while 'Cosplay Championship' registration details will be available shortly on Dubaiesportsfestival.com.
Early bird tickets for GameExpo are priced from Dhs 40.