The Dubai GameExpo Summit is set to return on May 20th and 21st, 2026, after a record-breaking 2025 edition that drew over 1,400 gaming professionals from 70 countries. The event, powered by Pocket Gamer Connects and held in partnership with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, forms a key part of the Dubai Esports and Games Festival. The summit has quickly become a focal point for the MENA region’s growing games industry, providing opportunities for networking, investment, and showcasing new projects.
Last year’s summit saw participation from 32% C-Level executives or founders, 68% senior managers, and 50% game makers, demonstrating the diversity of experience among attendees. Over 2,000 meetings were organised via an online networking platform, while more than 75 speakers covered nine themed tracks, creating a comprehensive forum for discussion on development trends, emerging technologies, and the business of games in the region.
Spotlight on Competitions and Industry Awards
The 2025 event featured the launch of PitchPlay, a competition aimed at highlighting promising new projects, alongside the Investment Summit that explored opportunities in the MENA market. Another highlight was the Very Big Indie Pitch, which allowed independent developers to present their games to seasoned industry professionals. The 2025 winner, Fideo’s Adventure by Nomadroid, benefited from both exposure and industry feedback. Connector SpeedMatch, a curated networking system pairing developers with publishers and investors, also returned in 2026, emphasizing the summit’s commitment to fostering connections and collaborations.
The live unveiling of the MENA Games Industry Awards added further recognition for regional talent, with Jordanian publisher Tamatem taking home three awards. The awards aim to highlight innovation and growth within the MENA games industry, encouraging local developers and studios to expand their reach internationally.
Supporting Investment and Emerging Markets
The summit continues to serve as a platform for investment in the MENA games industry. According to Muna Al Falasi, director of esports and games strategy at Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, the summit brings together global leaders and regional talent to support dialogue, attract international funding, and strengthen the local gaming ecosystem. The Investment Summit in particular is designed to connect studios with potential investors, showcasing Dubai as a hub for games development in line with the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033.
2026 Edition Highlights
The 2026 Dubai GameExpo Summit is expected to host around 1,500 international games professionals over two days of panels, talks, and networking sessions. The programme includes five focused themed tracks, as well as returning events like the Investment Summit and Connector SpeedMatch. Xbox Discovery Day will offer developers direct access to Xbox insights and publishing guidance, giving studios the chance to understand global market opportunities. Sessions will cover monetisation trends, emerging technologies, and the rapid growth of the MENA games market, with additional discussions on web3 gaming applications expected to feature in relevant panels.
The summit continues to strengthen Dubai’s position as a key hub for gaming in the MENA region, providing a platform for developers, investors, and industry leaders to collaborate, explore emerging trends, and grow their businesses.
Source: PocketGamer
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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.
