Dubai is set to host Game Expo, the leading event within the Dubai Esports and Games Festival 2026, from June 5 to 7 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, returning once again as a platform that celebrates creativity, innovation and the talent driving the growth of the gaming ecosystem in the emirate.
The exhibition will give visitors the opportunity to explore the latest experiences in the world of gaming, engage directly with local developers, and discover original ideas and concepts that reflect the development of the digital gaming sector in Dubai and the UAE.
A Main Event with Diverse Experiences
Organized by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Game Expo is the main event of this year’s festival, offering immersive experiences and a wide range of options for gamers, content creators, industry professionals and fans of all ages.
Over three days, Game Expo will bring together interactive entertainment, esports and gaming culture in one destination, allowing visitors to enjoy new experiences and follow diverse content in a lively setting.
Local Studios Join GameForward
The event will host more than 17 studios and small and medium-sized companies from Dubai as part of GameForward, a new business accelerator programme launched by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development, which operates under the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.
The initiative aims to empower Emirati game developers and support the growth of Dubai’s gaming industry. Participation in the exhibition gives local studios an important opportunity to showcase their projects, measure audience engagement, and receive direct feedback from gamers, specialists and industry followers.
The Narrows: A Space for Creativity and Talent
GameForward will be part of The Narrows, a dedicated creative market supported by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, designed to support artists, creators and small and medium-sized enterprises in the UAE as part of Dubai’s growing cultural and creative economy.
Together, the two zones will offer one of the festival’s notable cultural experiences, giving visitors the chance to discover original works and creations, support local talent, and connect with the creatives shaping the next generation of gaming and creative industries in the region.
A Chance to Try Games Before Launch
Visitors to Game Expo will be able to try a number of games that are still in development, meet the creators behind them, and share their opinions and feedback directly. The experience will also offer insight into the ideas and stories behind new games emerging from Dubai and the UAE.
Among the participating local studios is Foxrito, founded by Ismail Ahli and Hussein Darwish. The studio will present Darkness Road, a third-person psychological horror game inspired by the region. The game is set in a fictional city called “Dar Al Hay” on the Arabian Gulf in 1996.
Ismail Ahli said that Game Expo provides a suitable platform to support the studio’s growth and increase its visibility, noting that the event allows the team to connect directly with players and learn from their views and experiences. He added that appearing at such events is very important for independent studios, as they create a space for wider interaction with audiences and the gaming community.
Hussein Darwish said that Foxrito Studios was founded to deliver high-quality gaming experiences and share local heritage with the world, adding that the team aims to build a strong presence in game development at both regional and international levels.
Eldra Relic Among the Featured Experiences
Also taking part is Cosmic Galaxy Entertainment, a Dubai-based studio founded by Abdullah Al Shamsi and Yousef Al Buainain, with its game Eldra Relic. The title is a top-down action role-playing game that combines fast-paced loot-based progression with anime-inspired combat.
The game also blends two-dimensional visual effects within a three-dimensional environment, creating battles that are fast, exciting and visually clear.
Abdullah Al Shamsi said that Game Expo is highly important for the studio because it enables communication with players, developers, publishers, investors and industry professionals. He added that the event also gives participants greater visibility, access to direct feedback, and an opportunity to highlight the UAE’s position as a promising hub for game development.
Dubai Supports Gaming and Digital Talent
The presence of Emirati game developers and Dubai-based companies at the exhibition reflects the emirate’s commitment to investing in future industries and strengthening its ecosystem of innovation, entrepreneurship and digital talent.
The event also supports the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to reinforce Dubai’s position as a global hub for innovation, entrepreneurship and the digital economy, as well as an attractive destination for companies and creators in emerging sectors.
More Than 300 Gaming Experiences
In addition to celebrating local talent, Game Expo 2026 will feature more than 300 gaming experiences across more than 10 immersive zones, covering esports, anime, cosplay, retro games, creative games, content creator culture and interactive entertainment.
