What to expect at Dubai GameExpo Summit 2025 the premier hub for MENA game industry investment

• The Summit will bring global games experts to explore the growing MENA market, featuring networking, expert talks, investment tips, and more

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The Dubai GameExpo Summit 2025 powered by Pocket Gamer Connects, is returning on May 7–8 as part of the Dubai Esports and Games Festival at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

This event is an international meeting place for game developers, publishers, investors, and service providers. It will highlight the fast-growing region in the games industry in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. 

What will you experience at the summit?

• The global games industry in attendance

Expect participation from students as well as top game developers, publishers, hardware manufacturers, investors and service providers from around the world. This global presence offers excellent opportunities for networking, collaboration, and exposure to the latest trends and technologies.

• Leading MENA decision-makers to connect with

The event will attract influential figures from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) games industry, including executives from top regional game studios, government representatives supporting game development, and leading investors in the space. These decision-makers are key in shaping the region, from funding opportunities to policy development and market expansion. Connecting with them can provide valuable insights and business opportunities.

• Expert-led talks and insightful panel sessions

Attendees can expect engaging sessions featuring industry leaders and subject-matter experts discussing key trends, challenges, and opportunities in games. These talks might cover topics like game monetisation strategies, the future of the MENA region, emerging technologies like blockchain gaming, AI in game development, and more. Panel discussions will bring together experts with diverse perspectives to debate the future of the industry and share actionable insights.

• Engaging roundtable discussions with industry leaders and peers

Roundtable discussions offer an interactive format where attendees can directly engage with industry experts and fellow professionals. These sessions are designed to encourage in-depth discussions on specific topics, allowing participants to ask questions, share experiences, and exchange ideas in a more intimate setting. They can be particularly useful for developers, publishers, and investors looking to gain deeper knowledge on industry-specific challenges.

• Investment advice and funding insight

For the first time, we will be featuring The Investment Summit. Unlock the secrets of successful investment with The Investor Summit. Stay updated on the latest trends in finance and gain practical insights into securing impactful funding for your business. Receive expert investment advice and discover innovative funding know-how to propel your venture forward. Don’t miss out on this essential resource for financial growth and success.

• A lively expo area showcasing regional talent to explore

The expo section will feature booths and exhibits from indie game developers, as well as publishers, tech companies, and service providers from the MENA region. This is a great opportunity to discover upcoming indie games, new technologies, and innovative solutions being developed locally. It also allows businesses to showcase their work to a broader audience, including potential investors, publishers, and partners.

• Curated fringe events to boost developer/publisher/investor networks

Beyond the main conference, curated side events will be organized to facilitate networking between different stakeholders in the industry. Such as the Connector SpeedMatch. These provide an informal setting where developers can meet publishers, investors can discover new projects, and professionals can build strategic connections.

• Demo your game to industry experts to win prizes.

Game developers have the chance to present their projects to an audience of seasoned industry professionals, including publishers, investors, and veteran game designers. Selected games may be judged based on creativity, innovation, gameplay, and commercial potential. Winning prizes include promotional packages that have made a difference in the past, making this an exciting opportunity for indie and emerging developers.

• MENA Games Industry Awards

A dedicated awards ceremony celebrating the very best businesses and individuals who are propelling the exciting MENA games industry forward. We shine a light on every part of the ecosystem, from the game developers and publishers through the advertising and monetisation companies, the tool-makers and support companies, to the new emerging technologies that enable the magic to happen. We also pay homage to true industry legends who have made their mark on this glorious industry.

The awards are lobbied for by all members of the industry, voted on by select MENA representatives, and then ultimately revealed at our ceremony focussed entirely on celebrating the very best talent of this great sector.

If you don’t want to miss out on this and more save the date, May 7–8, 2025, and book your ticket now.