The Dubai Esports & Games Festival (DEF) will return from April 9 to 25, 2027 for its sixth edition, featuring gaming, esports, immersive entertainment, family activities and technology experiences across Dubai.

Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), DEF 2027 will expand its citywide programme, offering new opportunities for gaming communities, industry professionals, talent and families to play, compete, learn and connect.

New highlights will include Dubai Games Week, alongside expanded education, esports and industry-focused programmes.

The festival will conclude with GameExpo, its flagship event, running from 23 to 25 April 2027 at Dubai World Trade Centre.

The three-day event will feature gaming and esports competitions, community activities, entertainment and industry engagement, with an expanded programme planned for the 2027 edition.

The announcement follows DEF 2026, which attracted more than 43,000 visitors and awarded AED 1 million ($ 272,294) in prizes across gaming, esports and cosplay competitions.

Organisers are inviting organisations and industry brands to register their interest in participating as sponsors or exhibitors in the 17-day festival.

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, said: "The Dubai Esports & Games Festival has established itself as an important platform for Dubai’s growing gaming and esports ecosystem. Its return from 9 to 25 April 2027 gives us  another opportunity to showcase how gaming connects entertainment, education and economic opportunity across the city. Building on the success of the fifth edition, DEF 2027 will further expand opportunities for players, fans, students, talent and industry professionals to engage, in line with the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and our continued efforts to strengthen Dubai's position as a global hub for gaming, esports and digital innovation.”

Al Khaja added: “Organisations and brands have played a big role in the success of previous DEF editions and 2027 will be no different. We invite companies to be part of DEF 2027 and help boost the growth of the gaming industry in Dubai.” -TradeArabia News Service