The Dubai GameExpo Summit returns on May 20th and 21st, 2026, following a 2025 edition that brought together more than 1,400 gaming professionals from 70 countries. Organized in partnership with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, the summit is a cornerstone of the Dubai Esports and Games Festival and has rapidly established itself as a central gathering point for the MENA region's expanding games sector, offering opportunities for networking, investment discussions, and project showcases.
Attendees at last year's summit included 32% C-Level executives or founders, 68% senior managers, and 50% game makers, reflecting a broad cross-section of industry experience. More than 2,000 meetings took place through an online networking platform, while over 75 speakers delivered sessions across nine themed tracks, covering development practices, emerging technologies, and the business landscape for games in the region.
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Competitions and recognition for regional talent
The 2025 summit introduced PitchPlay, a competition designed to spotlight promising new projects, and hosted the Investment Summit to examine opportunities across the MENA market. The Very Big Indie Pitch gave independent developers a chance to present their games to experienced industry figures, with Fideo's Adventure by Nomadroid claiming the 2025 winner's spot and gaining valuable exposure and feedback. Connector SpeedMatch, a curated networking system that pairs developers with publishers and investors, returned in 2026 to reinforce the summit's focus on building meaningful industry connections.
The live announcement of the MENA Games Industry Awards provided further recognition for regional talent, with Jordanian publisher Tamatem securing three awards. The awards celebrate innovation and growth within the MENA games industry, encouraging local developers and studios to pursue international expansion.
Investment focus and regional growth
The summit remains a key platform for investment in the MENA games industry. Muna Al Falasi, director of esports and games strategy at Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, noted that the summit connects global leaders with regional talent to facilitate dialogue, attract international funding, and strengthen the local gaming ecosystem. The Investment Summit specifically aims to link studios with potential investors, positioning Dubai as a hub for games development in alignment with the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033.
What to expect in 2026
The 2026 Dubai GameExpo Summit is projected to welcome approximately 1,500 international games professionals over two days of panels, talks, and networking. The program features five focused themed tracks, with returning events including the Investment Summit and Connector SpeedMatch. Xbox Discovery Day will provide developers with direct access to Xbox insights and publishing guidance, helping studios understand global market opportunities. Sessions will address monetization trends, emerging technologies, and the rapid expansion of the MENA games market, with web3 gaming applications expected to feature in relevant panels.
The summit continues to reinforce Dubai's role as a major hub for gaming in the MENA region, offering a platform for developers, investors, and industry leaders to collaborate, explore emerging trends, and expand their businesses.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is the Dubai GameExpo Summit 2026 taking place?
The summit will be held on May 20th and 21st, 2026.
Where is the event located?
The event is part of the Dubai Esports and Games Festival and is supported by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.
Who attends the summit?
Attendees include C-Level executives, founders, senior managers, and game developers from the MENA region and internationally.
What events are included in the summit?
The summit features panels, themed tracks, competitions such as the Very Big Indie Pitch, Connector SpeedMatch sessions, and the Investment Summit. Xbox Discovery Day will also provide insights for developers.
Will web3 gaming be discussed?
Yes, emerging technologies including web3 gaming applications are expected to be addressed in relevant sessions during the summit.
How can I register for the 2026 summit?
Interested participants can register their interest online to receive updates and a 10% discount when tickets go on sale.
Why is the summit important for the MENA games industry?
The summit provides a platform for networking, investment, and collaboration, helping to attract international funding and support the growth of the regional games ecosystem.
