Must-Visit Gaming Events in the Middle East in 2024

To facilitate that aim, the region is set to host several prestigious gaming events in 2024, each of which will serve to boost the profile of the sector in the Middle East.

Read on as we look at some of the must-visit gaming events scheduled to take place in the Middle East this year.

SiGMA Eurasia 2024 – Dubai - February 25-27

SiGMA Eurasia 2024 has an innovative format that blends business networking into a vibrant atmosphere brimming with high-octane eSports competitions such as Rocket League, Fortnite, Apex Legends and even online casino games.

Several online casinos in the UAE are beginning to gain popularity as the government has begun to relax previously stringent betting laws. Many of these will be showcasing their latest developments at this event.

The convention is a thoroughly immersive experience that will engage panels with industry leaders. There will also be showcases of cutting-edge gaming technology.

SiGMA Eurasia boasts 600 sponsors and exhibitors, 15,500 delegates and 400 speakers. Delegates will be able to meet with top government officials during two networking cultural tours.

There will be start-up pitches, 15 networking dinners, parties and gala awards. These networking opportunities could take your gaming career or business to the next level.

Middle East Games Con 2024 – Dubai - March 3-5

This three-day event is rightly on the list just for the incredible buzz it generates. The Middle East Games Con (MEGC) is regarded as the region's premier gaming convention.

The MEGC will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) and is a jaw-dropping showcase of the latest games, cutting-edge technology and thrilling eSports tournaments.

There will be a ton of exciting VR experiences to dive into. Test drive upcoming games and witness high-stakes clashes between the top regional and international players.

The MEGC also has an impressive roster of developers, publishers and industry giants. They will offer insights into the future of gaming, and it is an opportunity to network with the who's who of the esports scene.

The event also dovetails as part of the Middle East Film & Comic Con. It is the region’s largest pop culture festival, offering a unique and unmatched experience.

Sharjah e-Gaming Festival - Sharjah - dates TBA

The Sharjah e-Gaming Festival is a yearly event that brings a lot of excitement to the third most populous state in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The festival will feature a diverse range of esports tournaments such as PUBG Mobile, Fortnite and Dota 2. It also has gaming workshops, expos and live entertainment to thrill spectators and gamers.

The Sharjah e-Gaming Festival is a vibrant celebration of gaming culture in the Middle East. While there are no specific dates for this year's showpiece, passionate gaming fans are already preparing for an action-packed weekend like no other.

There will be thrilling eSports tournaments across different genres and also educational workshops on coding and game design. Look around and find dedicated zones for casual play and retro gaming nostalgia.

The festival also plans to highlight the growing regional indie game development scene. It hopes to provide a platform for local talent to showcase stunning creations.

Apart from the e-Gaming festival, Sharjah also follows up with more exciting events like its Gaming Awards, an annual event recognising the best gamers and gaming organisations in the UAE.

There is also the Sharjah Gaming Summit, a one-day event that brings together industry experts to discuss the latest trends in the gaming industry.

Riyadh Game Expo – Riyadh - tentative date in Q3 2024

Future Event for Organizing Exhibitions & Conferences was established in 2020 and developed two outstanding products - the Riyadh Games Expo and Riyadh & International Forum for Games Research.

Riyadh Games Expo 2023 was hugely successful, and a date is being planned for a sequel this year. The news has gamers buzzing with anticipation.

It is essentially a meeting aiming to establish business relations between developers and manufacturers of the gaming world and global and local merchants and users.

The event is strategically held in the best economic and investment destination in the Middle East, Riyadh, the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The program will feature diverse programs, seminars, scientific workshops, nights, alongside sensory and kinaesthetic games.

There will be various games for computer participants, magic games show, 5D and virtual reality shows, the latest games and more.

The Riyadh Game Expo could become a landmark event, further solidifying Saudi Arabia's commitment to the burgeoning regional gaming scene.