Dubai GameExpo Summit 2025 Attracts Over 1,400 Gaming Professionals From 70 Countries

The Dubai GameExpo Summit 2025, part of the Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF), attracted over 1,400 gaming and esports professionals from 70 countries. This event highlighted the expanding opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa's gaming sector. The summit was powered by Pocket Gamer Connects in collaboration with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and took place at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Throughout the event, more than 2,000 meetings were facilitated using the MeetToMatch online networking platform. Attendees engaged in panel discussions featuring over 75 speakers, including government officials and international industry experts. These sessions addressed a variety of topics such as artificial intelligence, web3 technologies, growth strategies, and user acquisition.

A notable feature of this year's summit was the inaugural PitchPlay competition. Organised in partnership with the DMCC Gaming Centre, it provided a vibrant stage for emerging game start-ups to present their innovative concepts and business models. Martin Lothe Saeterdal’s studio Filiokus won the AED55,000 prize for its engaging presentation on creating mobile games that make maths enjoyable.

The Very Big Indie Pitch competition returned as a popular segment, offering talented developers a chance to present their creations to experienced industry veterans. This platform continues to support developers by connecting them with seasoned professionals who can provide valuable feedback and guidance.

Muna Al Falasi, Director of Esports and Games Strategy at Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, stated: "GameExpo Summit 2025 marked a pivotal moment in our mission to cement Dubai’s position as a global leader in gaming and esports. This year’s Summit amplified the momentum of our citywide Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF), accelerating industry growth, driving digital innovation, supporting SMEs, and creating new career pathways."

The summit's success underscores Dubai's strategic vision to become a hub for gaming innovation. By fostering an environment conducive to growth and collaboration, Dubai aims to attract more talent and investment into its burgeoning gaming industry.

With inputs from WAM