The fourth edition of the Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF) 2025 is currently energizing Dubai’s youth through its innovative DEF Educational Engagement Programme. This comprehensive initiative is immersing students of all ages in the dynamic realms of gaming, technology, and innovation. Thousands of students and educators are benefiting from expert-led presentations, specialized workshops, engaging hands-on challenges, and crucial insights into career pathways within the rapidly expanding esports and gaming industries.
The programme is set to unfold with numerous exciting activations in the coming weeks, offering students the chance to win substantial prizes totaling AED 50,000 through various tournaments and competitions. The educational engagement will culminate on May 8th with a dedicated DEF Education Day at the highly anticipated GameExpo, which will once again transform the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from May 9th to 11th, this year taking place in Zabeel Halls 2 and 3.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), emphasized the programme’s strategic importance in solidifying Dubai’s position as a global esports, gaming, and digital innovation hub. He stated that the DEF Educational Engagement Programme is designed to accelerate Dubai’s long-term economic growth by promoting gaming and esports as viable career paths, fostering inspiring opportunities for the next generation to become leaders in these vibrant sectors. The city-wide initiative thoughtfully blends innovation, education, and entertainment, allowing students to experience the benefits of STEM while developing critical skills such as strategic thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork. Al Khaja highlighted that such initiatives are crucial for building a future-ready talent pipeline and a resilient, knowledge-driven economy.
The DEF Educational Engagement Programme has already achieved significant engagement, with over 2,600 students participating in the pioneering Game Quest Express, a mobile gaming truck that brought interactive console, VR, and PC gaming experiences to schools across Dubai. Additionally, a city-wide series of Career Talks by industry experts has provided students and educators with valuable insights into future opportunities within the gaming sector.
Furthermore, over 7,000 students registered to compete in thrilling DEF educational tournaments like the Minecraft Education Challenge and the ENBD Fortnite Quest. The ENBD Fortnite Quest recently concluded its qualifiers, leading to a live finale at GameExpo on May 8th, where finalists will battle on a custom Dubai-themed map for trophies and prizes worth AED 20,000. The Minecraft Education Challenge, engaging thousands of primary school students using the Minecraft Education platform, will also culminate in a live grand finale at GameExpo on May 8th, featuring a custom Dubai-themed map. Both competitions have served as unique platforms for students to showcase their creativity, strategic thinking, and technical abilities – essential competencies for future careers in gaming and beyond.
Several upcoming competitions promise further excitement before the programme concludes on May 8th. A standout new initiative, Game Changers, invites students to propose innovative ideas on how gaming can inspire innovation, support education, or drive social impact. The top five submissions will present their ideas live at GameExpo on May 8th. The ongoing Power Up Parade Week encourages students, teachers, and parents to dress as their favorite gaming characters and share their costumes on social media using #DEFPowerUp for a chance to win prizes.
Additionally, GameOn, in collaboration with HP Gaming Garage, offers an online hackathon for students aged 13 and older to create Dubai-inspired game prototypes under expert guidance, with finalists presenting live at GameExpo on May 8th. Mayank Dhingra from HP emphasized the importance of empowering young talent to explore game development as a platform for expression, learning, and impact.
Beyond competitions, a dedicated DEF Level Up Calendar provides teachers with cross-curricular lesson ideas leading up to a school visit to GameExpo on May 8th. Students visiting GameExpo will experience gaming innovation first-hand, participating in expert-led presentations and workshops by Microsoft and Unreal Engine educators, gaining insights into game design and AI integration. Michael Bradbury from the Centre for Entertainment Arts highlighted the importance of DEF in empowering young creators with the tools and mentorship to turn their passion into a profession, contributing to Dubai’s growth as a global innovation hub.
