Dubai Esports Festival Rescheduled to May 22–June 7

Dubai Esports & Games Festival 2026 (DEF) has been rescheduled to run from May 22 to June 7, extending the duration of the event and introducing a broader lineup of gaming, esports, and entertainment experiences across the city.

Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, the festival aims to further strengthen Dubai’s position as a global hub for gaming and digital innovation.

A key highlight of the programme is the return of GameExpo, scheduled from June 5 to 7. Early-bird tickets are now available starting from AED 10, offering access to three days of competitions, immersive experiences, and live entertainment. For the first time, visitors attending GameExpo will benefit from up to six hours of free parking, enhancing accessibility and convenience.

The updated schedule aligns with the extended Eid holiday period, giving residents and visitors more flexibility to attend events spread over multiple weeks. Organisers said the expanded format will feature a wider range of family-friendly activities, tournaments, and interactive experiences.

A new addition this year is the Education & Gaming Summit, set to take place on June 4. The event will bring together students, universities, and industry leaders to explore career pathways in the gaming sector and provide insights into the evolving digital economy.

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, said the revised dates will allow the festival to reach a wider audience and deliver a more inclusive experience, bringing together communities through gaming and creativity.

This year’s edition will also feature the return of popular attractions such as Play Beyond and the Dubai Cosplay Championship, alongside new experiences including Neo Tokyo District, a dedicated anime-inspired zone, Battle Arena with maze-style gameplay, and Velocity Garage, offering high-intensity racing simulations.

Now in its fifth edition and aligned with the UAE’s “Year of the Family,” DEF 2026 will place increased focus on youth engagement and multi-generational participation, creating opportunities for families and communities to connect through shared experiences.

Further details and programme highlights are expected to be announced in the lead-up to the festival.