- First dedicated tabletop convention in the Middle East, 7–9 November 2025, Dubai Outlet Mall.
- 250+ games, 26 tournament titles and 1,400 player capacity.
- Big focus on learn-to-play, Arabic titles, workshops and live RPG shows.
- Tickets from AED 75 (kids) and AED 125 (12+), via Platinumlist.
- Strong creator presence with artists, designers and main stage programming.
Dubai is getting a new kind of gaming weekend. tabletop.me runs from 7 to 9 November 2025 at the Concourse Convention Center, Dubai Outlet Mall, backed by Dubai Sports Council and Dubai Esports Festival. The show spreads across more than 7,300 sqm and focuses on real-world play: board games, card games, RPGs, miniatures and classics. Tickets start at AED 75 for kids and AED 125 for 12+, sold on Platinumlist.
What is tabletop.me?
A three-day celebration of face-to-face gaming for the Middle East.
- Dates: 7–9 November 2025
- Venue: Concourse Convention Center, Dubai Outlet Mall
- Partners: Dubai Sports Council and Dubai Esports Festival
- Size: 7,300+ sqm of show floor
- Focus: board games, trading card games, RPGs, miniatures, classic games
The event is positioned as the first dedicated tabletop convention in the region. Instead of screens and streaming booths, you get demo tables, learn-to-play zones and a schedule geared around playing with people in the same room. If you went to FNDM at the same venue earlier this year, expect a similar community feel, only this time the spotlight is on dice, decks and paint pots. (See our piece on FNDM Dubai for context.)
The games and zones you can expect
tabletop.me says there will be “something for everyone,” which for once isn’t marketing speak.
- 250+ tabletop titles to try, including 80+ international games in Arabic
- RPG Realms, Artist Alley, miniature painting sessions, and a main stage
- Modern hits alongside classics like chess, backgammon, Rummikub and speed puzzling
Expect guided demos for new players and depth for hobbyists. From Dungeons & Dragons sessions to Warhammer 40K tables, the show mixes gateway games with heavier strategy titles. The Arabic catalogue is a smart local touch, opening up modern board games to families who prefer to play in Arabic.
Tournaments and competitive play
If you like a bracket and a crowd, the tournament slate is big for a first-year show.
- 26 tournament titles
- Capacity for up to 1,400 competitors
- Formats across TCGs, board games, RPG modules, miniatures and chess
Trading card game players can expect staples like Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh! and Magic: The Gathering. Board gamers get structured events, while miniature wargamers can test their painting and play. The schedule is designed to let you compete and still catch workshops or stage shows between rounds.
Creators, designers and the stage lineup
This isn’t just tables and vendors; there’s a lot of human talent on the floor.
- 100+ gaming creatives on hand to teach and host
- 48 artists and 16 game designers
- 18 main stage events and 20 workshops, plus live RPG performances
Panels and live plays add a bit of theatre to the weekend. If you’re new to painting miniatures or running your first RPG session, the hands-on workshops are a safe way to learn without doomscrolling tutorial videos.
Tickets, timings and how to plan your visit
Pricing is straightforward and family-friendly.
- Tickets from AED 75 (ages 8–12)
- Tickets from AED 125 (ages 12+)
- On sale via Platinumlist; full details on the official website
Plan for queues at the most popular demo tables. Arrive early if you’re eyeing tournaments, and book workshops in advance when registrations open. For venue familiarity and travel timing, our events coverage such as Taste of Abu Dhabi.
Why it matters for the UAE’s gaming scene
The UAE gets plenty of esports and pop-culture events, but tabletop was overdue for a proper spotlight. A screen-free gaming show gives families an easy entry point, supports local designers and artists, and diversifies the calendar beyond arena tournaments. For a sense of how mixed-format events perform at the same venue, see our FNDM Dubai guide from October.
What are the dates and location for tabletop.me?
It runs Friday 7 to Sunday 9 November 2025 at the Concourse Convention Center, Dubai Outlet Mall.
How much are tickets?
Tickets start from AED 75 for ages 8–12 and AED 125 for ages 12 and up, sold via Platinumlist.
What kinds of games are there?
Over 250 titles across board games, trading card games, role-playing games, miniature wargames and classics like chess and backgammon, with more than 80 international games available in Arabic.
Are there tournaments?
Yes. There are 26 tournament titles with capacity for around 1,400 competitors, spanning TCGs, board games, RPGs, miniatures and chess.
Is this part of Dubai Esports Festival?
The event is partnered with Dubai Esports Festival and Dubai Sports Council. It is focused on in-person tabletop play rather than video games.
