Abu Dhabi to Host Global Games Show 2025, Driving Gaming Innovation

Billed as one of the largest gaming-focused events in the region, the Global Games Show 2025 aims to bring together over 5,000 attendees from across the international gaming and tech community. More than 200 expert speakers, 100 sponsors and exhibitors, and 150 media outlets are expected to participate, making the event a major focal point for gaming innovation, esports, and emerging technologies.

The event is supported by the Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau, reinforcing the UAE’s broader mission to become a global hub for digital innovation and entertainment. Organizers describe the show as a bridge between next-generation gaming trends and cutting-edge technology, including Web3, artificial intelligence, and immersive media experiences.

Now in its third edition, the Global Games Show has previously played a catalytic role in connecting developers, publishers, esports teams, and tech entrepreneurs. Past events have enabled partnerships with international gaming firms, fostered investment dialogue, and created opportunities for indie studios to showcase their work on a global stage.

This year’s event promises an expanded lineup of programs and interactive zones, designed to appeal not just to gamers but also to industry executives, content creators, and startup founders. The show will include a “Next-Gen Gaming & Esports Hub” to showcase the latest advances in competitive gaming, digital storytelling, and simulation-based experiences. Attendees can also expect immersive demos of game engines, motion-capture systems, and AI-driven design tools.

One of the central aims of the 2025 edition is to position the Global Games Show as a gateway for B2B engagement across the gaming ecosystem. Organizers are promoting it as a place where creators and studios can meet with investors, venture capitalists, and thought leaders to explore funding opportunities, licensing deals, and product development.

Speakers from leading global game publishers, esports organizations, and technology firms will take the stage to share insights into the industry's evolving dynamics. Topics will range from the gamification of learning and business, to the growth of creator economies, the rise of blockchain-enabled in-game assets, and the development of inclusive and sustainable esports ecosystems.

Networking will also be a core focus, with curated meetups, matchmaking programs, and side events scheduled throughout the week. In addition to the main summit, attendees will have access to Global Games Show Week, a multi-day celebration from December 3 to 12, which includes panel discussions, indie showcases, gaming tournaments, and community-driven activations.

Of particular note is the event’s co-location with the Global Blockchain Show, also organized by VAP Group. This synergy between gaming and Web3 technology is expected to attract crossover interest from both industries, especially as blockchain continues to redefine asset ownership, interoperability, and monetization in digital entertainment.

VAP Group, the event’s lead organizer, has been instrumental in curating global summits that bridge emerging technologies with real-world applications. Known for high-impact events such as the Global Blockchain Show and Times of Blockchain, the company has cultivated a strong presence across the Web3, fintech, and digital entertainment landscapes. With its headquarters in the UAE, VAP Group is leveraging its strategic position to elevate Abu Dhabi’s profile as a destination for innovation-led gatherings. “Whether you’re an avid gamer, a developer, an investor, or simply passionate about technology’s potential, this event is designed to bring everyone to the forefront of the gaming revolution,” said representatives from VAP Group in a press briefing.

While Space42 Arena is set to host the main conference, the broader Global Games Show Week will activate venues across Abu Dhabi, further embedding the Emirate’s position as a regional hub for gaming, esports, and tech innovation. The event comes amid growing interest in the UAE’s digital economy, with Abu Dhabi and Dubai both ramping up support for game studios, talent accelerators, and Web3 platforms.

With global gaming revenues projected to exceed $250 billion by 2026, according to PwC, industry players are increasingly looking for cross-border collaboration, scalable infrastructure, and access to emerging markets. The Global Games Show 2025 aims to meet those demands by positioning itself at the intersection of entertainment, investment, and immersive technology.

The Global Games Show also aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader digital economy strategy, which increasingly includes gaming as a high-growth sector. Through initiatives like the AD Gaming platform, launched in 2021 by the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, the Emirate has created a supportive environment for international studios, indie developers, and esports organizers. The platform has already attracted partners like Ubisoft and Unity Technologies, as Abu Dhabi positions itself as a central hub for game production, distribution, and talent development across the MENA region.