The Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF) is set to return in 2026 with an expanded line-up of activities and experiences for gamers of all ages.
After attracting more than 45,000 visitors in 2025, the festival will run from Friday, May 8 to Sunday, May 24, 2026, across various venues in Dubai. This year’s edition will align with the UAE’s Year of the Family theme, offering more inclusive and family-friendly gaming experiences.
Among the key attractions making a comeback are GameExpo, GameExpo Summit, Play Beyond, and the Dubai Cosplay Championship. The GameExpo will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 22 to May 24, featuring live entertainment, interactive gaming zones, and competitive tournaments.
Visitors can explore the newest game launches alongside retro classics, experience immersive themed areas, and watch top gamers and cosplayers compete on the main stage. Spanning two halls, the expo will feature ten distinct zones, including Neo Tokyo District, Battle Arena, and Velocity Garage, with more than 100 gaming consoles available.
For the first time, DEF 2026 will collaborate with LEGO Certified Stores to introduce a dedicated LEGO experience, complete with interactive build challenges designed especially for children.
Registrations are now open for fans, students, educators, and industry professionals. Early bird GameExpo tickets start from Dhs40. Sign-ups for The Narrows are also open, while details for the Cosplay Championship registration will be announced soon on the official festival website.
For tickets, click here.
