Every year, Dubai hosts numerous gaming and eSports festivals, solidifying its status as a global gaming hub. One such event is the Dubai eSports and Games Festival, now in its third edition and running until May 5. The festival aims to bring together gamers and enthusiasts from all over the city to experience the latest developments in the gaming world, participate in tournaments, and connect with like-minded individuals. This year’s festival is the biggest yet, offering various activities such as educational challenges, career talks, workshops, and more.
The highlight of the festival is the GameExpo, taking place from May 3 to 5 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. GameExpo promises to immerse attendees in a gaming wonderland, featuring diverse zones like the Gamers District, The Future Zone, The Retro Zone, and more. Visitors can expect to discover new gaming trends, relive classic titles, participate in electrifying cosplay contests, and watch gaming legends compete in epic showdowns at Play Beyond. Additionally, a Food & Beverage zone will be available to refuel hungry gamers during their quest.
Muna Al Falasi, the Director of eSports and Games Strategy, revealed that the Dubai government launched the Dubai Program for Gaming 2023 last year, aiming to position Dubai as a global gaming hub. As part of this initiative, a Gaming Visa is being developed to attract gaming companies and investments to the region. The festival also aligns itself with global publishers of successful gaming titles like Call of Duty and Fortnite, offering visitors an exclusive Creative mode featuring Dubai within the games.
The UAE has seen a surge in gaming content creators, with prominent figures like Basharkk and Saqer Jassim Ahmed Abdulla Al Qassem praising the evolution of eSports in the country. Content creators like Hamzawi, who focus on games like Fortnite and Minecraft, have found ample opportunities in Dubai and are excited about the city’s advancements in the gaming and eSports industry. Additionally, UAE’s sim-racing champion, Sultan Khalifa Mohammed, highlighted the festival’s growth and the UAE’s ambition to become a global gaming destination, especially after Sheikh Hamdan’s endorsement.
With continuous government support and strategic initiatives, Dubai is paving the way to becoming a prominent player in the global gaming and eSports scene. The Dubai eSports and Games Festival serves as a platform for gamers, content creators, and enthusiasts to come together, celebrate their passion for gaming, and witness the latest trends in the industry. As the festival continues to expand and attract international attention, Dubai is on track to solidifying its position as a leading destination for gaming events and initiatives.
