Sports & Championship

GameExpo 2026, the flagship event of the Dubai Esports & Games Festival 2026, is set to highlight the creativity and innovation of Dubai’s gaming sector by showcasing 17 Dubai-based game studios and SMEs from June 5 to 7 at Dubai World Trade Centre.

Organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, GameExpo will bring together players, developers, creators, industry professionals, and gaming enthusiasts through a range of immersive experiences and interactive showcases.

A key feature of this year’s event is the participation of studios supported by GameForward, a new accelerator programme launched by Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development. The initiative aims to empower Emirati game developers and strengthen Dubai’s growing gaming ecosystem.

GameForward will run alongside The Narrows, a creative marketplace supported by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, providing a platform for local artists, creatives, and SMEs to showcase their work and engage with visitors.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore games currently in development, meet the creators behind them, and provide direct feedback on projects emerging from the UAE’s gaming community.

Among the featured studios is Foxrito Studios, founded by Ismail Ahli and Hussain Darwish. The studio will present Darkness Road, a third-person survival psychological horror game set in the fictional Arabian Gulf city of Dar Al Hai in 1996.

Speaking about the event, Ismail Ahli said GameExpo offers an important opportunity for independent developers to connect directly with players and gain valuable feedback. Hussain Darwish added that the studio was established to create authentic gaming experiences that reflect regional culture and heritage.

Another participating studio is Cosmic Galaxy Entertainment, which recently secured a partnership with PlayStation through the GameForward programme. Founded by Abdulla Alshamsi and Yousif Albuainain, the company will showcase Eldra Relic, a top-down action role-playing game featuring anime-inspired combat and progression-based gameplay.

According to Abdulla Alshamsi, GameExpo serves as an important platform for connecting developers with players, publishers, investors, and other industry stakeholders while demonstrating the UAE’s growing role in global game development.

The participation of local developers aligns with Dubai’s broader ambitions under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to establish the city as a global hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital talent.

Beyond local talent showcases, GameExpo 2026 will feature more than 300 gaming experiences across over 10 themed zones. New attractions include Neo Tokyo District, Amazon Battle Arena, and Jetour Velocity Garage, alongside esports tournaments, community competitions, retro gaming experiences, anime activities, and creator-focused events.

The festival will also host the return of the Dubai Cosplay Championship, offering a prize pool of AED 50,000.

Tickets for GameExpo are available starting from AED 29. Visitors can also benefit from up to six hours of free parking at designated parking areas at Dubai World Trade Centre. Additionally, ticket holders will have the chance to win a new Jetour T2 Luxury Plus courtesy of Elite Group Holding.

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