Tell someone in the early 2000s that you wanted to be a professional gamer, and you’d probably get a smirk, maybe even a concerned glance. Fast forward to 2025, and that same statement will earn you a solid “respect” nod — especially if you’re talking to a Gen Z who’s fluent in Twitch lingo, knows their skins from their scrims, and has at least once rage-quit a ranked Valorant match (learnt that at the fest).
So, here’s a world where esports isn’t just a niche; it’s a multi-billion-dollar juggernaut reshaping entertainment, education, and global pop culture. What used to be a pastime in dimly lit bedrooms is now a mainstream spectacle filling stadiums spawning influencers with cult followings, and driving innovation across tech, media, and even fashion.
The stats back it up: in recent years, esports viewership has skyrocketed to rival traditional sports. According to industry reports, the global gaming market is expected to exceed $300 billion by 2026, while esports alone is drawing in over 640 million viewers worldwide. And here’s the best part — most of them aren’t just watching. They’re engaging, competing, buying, and building entire digital identities around the worlds they inhabit online.
And if you want to see this cultural shift in action, there’s no better place than Dubai — a city that’s made it loud and clear that it’s not just keeping up with the future of gaming; it’s helping define it. Through initiatives like the Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF), the emirate is fast becoming the Middle East’s next-gen entertainment capital.
About Dubai Dubai Esports and Games Festival
Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF 2025) took place from 25 April to 11 May. Launched in 2022, the annual festival was held at the Dubai World Trade Centre once again this year. The festival aims to set and influence trends across both the global and regional gaming industry, and bolster Dubai’s position as a global hub for esports and interactive tech-driven entertainment, and as a global city at the forefront of innovation. DEF 2025 features a combination of events including a lively GameExpo, esports tournaments, and influencer challenges, alongside GameExpo Summit, a thought-provoking and business stimulating conference and B2B networking event that connects companies from around the world.
But the fun in Dubai doesn’t hit pause when the festival wraps. The city offers immersive digital experiences, next-level arcades, sprawling VR playgrounds, and esports arenas that rival global standards — all year round. Pair that with quirky themed lounges and offbeat dining spots that perfectly mirror the gamer vibe, and you’ve got a scene that’s as high-energy as it is unforgettable.
So, if your ideal weekend involves a bit of screen time, a lot of thrill-seeking, and maybe even a cheeky leaderboard flex, Dubai’s ready. So, whether it’s a quick escape or an extended stay, here is a specially curated lineup of spots that deliver maxed-out entertainment, culinary experiences that match the mood, and just the right dose of playful chaos.
PAC-MAN Live Experience
Pac-Man Live Experience is a thrilling, life-sized recreation of the iconic arcade game, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge interactive technology. Already a hit in Manchester, this immersive experience invites players to journey through a glowing digital maze, complete with stunning projections, pulse-pounding challenges, and surprise encounters around every corner.
Brass Monkey
Whether looking to play, party, or dine, Brass Monkey offers a wide range of options that are sure to satisfy even the wildest of monkeys. After its success in Bluewaters, the venue has officially opened its second branch in City Walk with 12 bowling lanes, auto scoring darts, billiards, and the best retro arcade games in town, Brass Monkey is the ultimate playground for adults. Guests can indulge in mouthwatering sharing platters, sliders, pizzas, and old school desserts, all while grooving to the hottest beats from the 90’s & 2000’s.
House of Hype
Not a museum. Not a theme park. Not like anything you’ve ever seen. It’s the wild experience
everyone’s talking about — and you can’t miss it! House of Hype is Dubai’s newest mind-blowing experience that combines beautiful immersive worlds, epic spectacles, spontaneous performances, and surprises around every corner, across 100+ experiences in a massive wonderland at the heart of Dubai Mall. From fun-seekers to dreamers and everyone craving something new — House of Hype is your next adventure. Get ready for a joyride of wonder, laughs, surprises, and a camera roll packed with unforgettable moments.
PlayDXB
The world’s biggest indoor virtual reality zone, VR Park, has now evolved into Play DXB. Located in Dubai Mall (with a second location now at Dubai Hills Mall), Play DXB offers more diverse entertainment with plenty of options that toddlers, teens and the young at heart can enjoy.
This is the place to be for hours of non-stop fun and to test out your skills in fun competitive sessions with friends. Discover more than 30 game-changing adventures across a range of immersive and educational ‘journeys’. Reminisce about the good old days on a classic carousel ride with the kids or see if you can conquer the top scores at the arcade games. While the little ones have a ball at the inflatable playground and trampolines, you can don an Oculus gaming headset, delve into a Transformers-themed adventure and beat the bad guys.
StreetXO
Located on the 4th floor of the architecturally striking One Za’abeel towers, StreetXO is the bold creation of four MICHELIN-starred Chef Dabiz Muñoz—named Best Chef in the World three years in a row. Inspired by his rebellious spirit, StreetXO reimagines a vibrant street food market, blending haute cuisine with electrifying energy in an unforgettable dining experience.
Dabiz’ culinary style is pushing culinary boundaries of flavours and intricate, art-like dishes that challenge the norm. StreetXO’s dining concept ingeniously blends global flavours and recipes, elevating street food with creativity that knows no bounds to create an exemplary shareable menu.
With a cityscape that feels custom-built for fun, and experiences that blur the line between digital and real, it’s safe to say: the game has changed. And Dubai? It’s playing to win.