The Dubai GameExpo Summit is taking place this May, and planning ahead is key to making sure you don’t miss anything you might want to see in this spectacular metropolis.

We've partnered with the Dubai Economy & Tourism department to bring an unmissable games conference experience to the city, of course based in the games industry's fastest growing region - MENA.

The GameExpo Summit powered by PG Connects will take place over two days on May 1st and 2nd alongside the larger GameExpo event at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The summit itself will feature more than 100 renowned games industry speakers from all over the globe delivering insightful talks, panels and seminars across a number of themed tracks.

You can expect the same type of invaluable learning and networking opportunities you’ve come to expect from Pocket Gamer Connects events, and we can’t wait to share what we have in store for you this summer.

Today, we’re giving you more insight into the fabulous location where the Summit is taking place and what you can do in your free time there to make the most of it.

Get to know Dubai

Now known for being one of the world’s most innovative cities and a massive commercial hub, Dubai was originally a modest fishing village that was known as a caravan station linking Oman to modern-day Iran.

In 1894, with new tax exemption guidelines, excellent business conditions brought in a massive influx of foreign workers from India and Pakistan. Then, in 1966, oil was discovered in the city and everything changed.

The Dubai Trade Centre was established at this time and as the city expanded, new wonders were erected such as Burj Khalifa. Striking oil is now a big part of why the UAE is considered the third-richest country in the world. 

Dubai is more just than a popular tourist destination, it’s a heavily populated area. There are currently over 3.55 million people living in Dubai, and on the daily, the population jumps by over one million due to the sheer amount of visitors from other emirates who go to Dubai for business and tourism.

Dubai also presents itself as a tourist destination like no other, offering massive luxurious shopping malls to spend full days exploring and ample opportunities to partake in extreme sports.

You will absolutely want to book days around the Summit to make the most of everything Dubai has to offer, and on that note…

Explore the magnificent city of Dubai!

We’re headed to Dubai for the very first time in PG Connects history, and we absolutely can’t wait to share with you more about what we have in store. Dubai’s been ranked one of best cities in the world by the World’s Best Cities Report, and this is a great opportunity to not only learn about the games industry and network with peers at our event, but to explore the city.

It’s the definition of a forward-gazing city that’s paving the way to the future. Whether you’re looking to ride an elevator to the top of the world’s tallest building for a bird’s eye view, take a dive into the deepest swimming pool in the entire world, or make a bet in the most expensive horse race in the world, Dubai has something for you.

You could:

Step into one of the biggest malls in the world! The Dubai Mall is an unmissable and unforgettable location boasting over 1,200 retail outlets and 200 dining experiences to enjoy.

Step onto Burj Khalifa, one of the most iconic landmarks in Dubai and the tallest structure in the world at 160 storeys high. That’s right, the world! It’s highly popular, so it’s recommended you buy skip-the-line tickets ahead of time. 

Stop by the Dubai Fountain right on the Burj Khalifa Lake and marvel at the stunning light spectacle. You can enjoy the performance from a floating platform or go for a ride on the lake for a closer look at the light show. 

There's no better way to explore Dubai than to observe it sky-high! Zipline through the Dubai Marina either alone or with a buddy, and an installed camera available for purchase allows you to revisit the once-in-a-lifetime journey after.

Did you know that there’s snow in Dubai? Ski Dubai presents an unparalleled indoor skiing opportunity at a Snow Park, where you can ski, spend time with penguins and even enjoy popular movies on the slopes.

Tourist hotspots

Looking for alternate ways to cool off during the summer months? Observe the iconic Dubai skyline and unwind at the same time by taking a dip in the world’s highest 360-degree infinity pool at the AURA Skypool. There are delectable food and drink options, and you can enjoy them with an unbeatable view of the Arabian gulf.

For even more ways to cool off during the summer, the world’s largest waterpark is located in Dubai, and the Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark is truly something you won’t want to miss. From going on the world’s tallest waterslide or sliding down a tube that goes through a shark-infested underwater lagoon, there’s no experience quite like this one anywhere else! 

For even more underwater fun, you might want to check out The Lost Chambers Aquarium. It’s the largest Aquarium in all of the Middle East and Africa, with over 65,000 marine animals calling this place home.

A must-see sight in Dubai is the imposing Jumeirah Mosque. Learn about Islamic culture by visiting one of Dubai’s most famous landmarks. Visitors of all faiths are welcome to visit the Mosque to learn about the Emirati way of life and the religion, and the stunning architecture and intricate art is absolutely stunning. If you plan to pay a visit, please remember to be respectful of the location and dress modestly, as it is a place of worship. You can learn more about etiquette and visiting here.

Visit where it all began for Dubai in Dubai Creek, the city’s historic commercial hub that’s like a flashback in Dubai’s history to its old town. You can explore the canal on an abra boat ride for just one dirham or even enjoy a cruise dinner if you plan ahead of time, or perhaps plan ahead to visit one of the many fabulous restaurants there. It’s a local favourite as well, so you can truly get immersed into the local culture here.

Register for your ticket

Now’s the time to secure your tickets for this spectacular opportunity. Join us in Dubai this spring for an unprecedented networking and learning extravaganza.

You’ll want to plan ahead to make sure you get to make the most of visiting this incredible destination, so book now to enjoy incredible savings with our Super Early Bird rates!