The Dubai Esports & Games Festival (DEF) 2025, organized by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), has officially begun today, 25 April, and will run until 11 May, transforming the city into a vibrant hub of gaming, esports, and pop culture. This year’s festival promises an unparalleled celebration for gamers, families, and fans, featuring free-to-play experiences, mega prizes worth over AED 500,000, and immersive activities across Dubai. The highlight of DEF 2025 is the flagship GameExpo, set to take over Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) in Zabeel Halls 2 and 3 from 9 to 11 May.

Tickets are now on sale for GameExpo, which offers non-stop gaming, next-level entertainment, and interactive zones—all free to play. Attendees can look forward to:

1. Influencer Showdowns (10-11 May): Featuring top regional gamers like Abo Flah.
2. Dubai Cosplay Championship (11 May): With prizes up to AED 30,000—registration open until 7 May.

Key Festival Highlights:

1. DEF Educational Engagement Programme (Until 8 May)
   A citywide initiative inspiring young gamers with esports tournaments, AI and game design workshops by Microsoft and Unreal Engine, and a chance to win AED 50,000 in prizes. Students can also visit GameExpo on 8 May for an exclusive school trip experience.
2. Power Up Parade Week (28 April – 2 May)
   Schools, students, and families are encouraged to dress as their favorite gaming characters and share photos on social media using #DEFPowerUp for a chance to win prizes.
3. Game Changers Initiative (Deadline: 30 April)
   Student teams can submit innovative gaming ideas with real-world impact. The top five entries will pitch live at GameExpo on 8 May, with winners receiving sponsorships and recognition.
4. ENBD Fortnite Quest (Until 8 May)
   The UAE’s biggest Fortnite competition culminates in a live final on 8 May at GameExpo, featuring a custom Dubai-themed map and AED 20,000 in prizes.
5. GameOn with HP Gaming Garage (Until 8 May)
   An online hackathon where students develop Dubai-inspired game prototypes, with finalists showcasing their work at GameExpo.
6. JPEX Entertainment Exhibition (25-27 April, Expo City Dubai)
   A must-visit for anime, manga, and cosplay fans, offering live performances, workshops, and Japanese pop culture experiences.
7. Yalla Ludo Challenge (29 April – 6 May, Online)
   A mobile gaming tournament where players compete for exclusive in-game rewards and leaderboard glory.
8. Rove Hotels Exclusive Offer (Until 12 May)
   GameExpo attendees can enjoy 25% off stays at select Rove Hotels using the code “Esports”.

With 17 days of non-stop action, DEF 2025 brings together esports, gaming innovation, and community fun for all ages. Supported by strategic partners including Amazon, du, Emirates NBD, and Red Bull, the festival cements Dubai’s position as a global gaming destination.

TCL Electronics has launched its new C6K QD-Mini LED TV series in the UAE Designed to deliver unbeatable performance and unbelievable value, the C6K lineup redefines home entertainment by combining next-gen display innovation, elegant aesthetics, and immersive sound. The TCL C6K features advanced QD-Mini LED technology with over 512 local dimming zones, high HDR brightness, and a wide colour gamut, delivering ultra-vivid colours, sharp details, and superior contrast, ensuring every scene is lifelike and cinematic.

This flagship performance is driven by TCL’s exclusive All Domain Halo Control Technology, which covers the entire light journey from generation to display. It integrates high-efficiency light-emitting chips, self-developed lens technology, super Micro-OD structure, precision light and shadow control algorithms, and TCL’s self-produced high-end CSOT HVA panels. This full-stack innovation dramatically reduces haloing, enhances black levels, and ensures image clarity from every angle.

By tackling common halo effects and improving light control at every step, TCL delivers unparalleled contrast, depth, and picture precision even in the brightest environments.

Key features of the TCL C6K series in the UAE:

1. QLED Technology: Next-gen colourful quantum crystal material achieving a wide colour gamut for longer-lasting, vibrant visuals.
2. 144Hz Native Refresh Rate: Ultra-smooth, fluid motion for gaming, sports, and fast-action scenes.
3. ONKYO 2.1 Hi-Fi Sound: Immersive cinematic audio with Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X support.
4. Ultra-Slim Design: Sleek profile with magnetic seamless wall-mounting and ≤ 60mm thickness for a refined aesthetic.
5. Matte Display (85” & 98”): Anti-glare, reflection-free screen for uninterrupted viewing in bright spaces.
6. High Contrast HVA Panels (75″ and below): Up to 7000:1 native contrast ratio and ultra-wide viewing angles for deeper blacks and richer details.

Whether it’s the thrill of gaming, the passion of football, or the richness of cinema, the TCL C6K delivers flagship performance across all content formats. It is available in multiple screen sizes, including 65”, 75”, 85”, and 98”, the C6K is crafted to its designed to elevate every living space into an immersive entertainment zone.

Sony Middle East and Africa showcased its latest line-up across home and audio entertainment product categories for 2025 during a three-day exclusive conference held at W Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. The immersive event brought together distinguished media representatives, content creators, retailers and business partners from across the GCC, Central Asia, Africa and beyond. Underscoring Sony’s commitment to regional and global engagement, the event took place in the esteemed presence of newly appointed Global Sales and Marketing officer, Sony Corporation, Tadato Kimura.

The event gave guests in attendance a first look into Sony’s newest offerings, reinforcing its leadership positioning in premium home entertainment and it’s drive to meet the evolving needs of digital savvy consumers. Key highlights of the affair included the unveiling of the BRAVIA television lineup including the BRAVIA 8 II, BRAVIA 5 and the BRAVIA 2 II as well as an array of home audio products such as the BRAVIA Theatre Bar 6, BRAVIA Theatre System 6, BRAVIA Theatre Rear 8, BRAVIA Theatre Sub 7. Introduced under its tagline “Bigger is Better” and engineered to deliver cinematic realism, bringing film creators’ intent home through stunning contrast, colours and captivating sound, the new lineup offers large and small screen size models to perfectly complement any viewing environment delivering the cinema-like sound from the comfort of the living room.

In addition, Sony also introduced its latest advancements in the audio segment with the expansion of the ULT Power Sound series. Founded as the concept of providing Massive Bass and Ultimate Vibe, the newly expanded portfolio is designed to offer a superior music experience with powerful bass and dynamic sound. Introducing the ULT TOWER 9 and ULT TOWER 9AC, the speakers are equipped to deliver powerful sound at the touch of the ULT button and complemented by the 25 hour battery life with the ULT Tower 9.

Ensuring the party never has to stop, the 360° Party Lights delivers a synchronized light display syncing seamlessly with both music and up to 100 compatible speakers. For those looking for an elevated audio experience within a compact body, the series also includes the ultra-portable ULT FIELD 5 and ULT FIELD 3 to carry the music wherever you go. Taking center stage lies the ULTMIC1 – a pair of wireless microphones offering crystal-clear vocals, built to integrate seamlessly with the ULT line-up. Commenting on the lineup, Tadato Kimura, Global Sales and Marketing Officer, Sony Corporation said, “Today’s consumers aren’t seeking just technology upgrades – they’re looking for experiences that are intuitive, curated and immersive and our latest line-up reflects this purpose.”

Jobin Joejoe, Managing Director, Sony Middle East and Africa, said, “At Sony, we remain committed to delivering innovative and unique products that cater to the evolving needs of our customers. Our aim is to ensure that consumers in the region gain access to the latest technologies at the same time as the global launch and by offering a diverse and unique product portfolio, we strive not only to meet immediate customer expectations but also to enhance our customer lifetime value.”