Dubai Announces 2024 Edition of Esports & Games Festival
Dubai Esports & Games Festival (DEF) has announced its 2024 edition.
Under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, DEF 2024 will run from April 19 to May 5.
“The Dubai Esports & Games Festival 2024 is more than an event; it’s a celebration of the skill, strategy, and the dedication of gamers and esports professionals across the city, the region and wider global landscape. In a city committed to the digital economy’s growth and transformation, this year’s festival is set to be the leader of the region’s gaming industry, solidifying Dubai’s position as a year-round global hub for esports and gaming. This year, DEF will go above and beyond, venturing into new innovative areas of gaming and esports experiences. DEF 2024 will bring together players, enthusiasts, and industry experts worldwide over their love of gaming and esports, while empowering these communities to thrive not just in Dubai, but across the wider GCC and beyond,” Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment said.
The festival aims to surpass the benchmarks set by previous editions, featuring over 50 games played on 200 machines, including 11 unreleased titles and 4 world-first showings.
DEF 2023 attracted a remarkable 48,200 esports participants and attendees from 91 different nationalities, showcasing the global appeal of the event.
Central to DEF 2024 is the GameExpo, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 3 to 5.
Attendees at the GameExpo can expect to explore cutting-edge gaming products, witness esports competitions, and engage in diverse activations such as cosplay and coding workshops.
Additionally, Play Beyond will host thrilling gaming contests where top regional and global stars will go head-to-head, providing spectators with the ultimate gaming showdown experience.
The festival will also feature Ramadan online tournaments, igniting excitement among the gaming community during the holy month.
Moreover, DEF 2024 is committed to nurturing young talent through initiatives like the Microsoft MakeCode Competition and the Minecraft Education Challenge.
Students will have the opportunity to enhance their digital skills and gain insider insights into the gaming industry through various educational programmes offered during the festival.
For gaming industry professionals, the GameExpo Summit powered by Pocket Gamer Connects will provide a platform for networking and knowledge-sharing, featuring talks, panels, and opportunities to connect with industry leaders.
