Abu Dhabi to host the 2026 Gran Turismo World Series opener | News
For the first time in the Middle East, Abu Dhabi will host the opening event of the 2026 Gran Turismo World Series, scheduled for March 28, 2026 at the Space42 Arena. This groundbreaking event brings together the world’s best Gran Turismo drivers to compete in an elite live championship, engaging fans across the emirate and showcasing Abu Dhabi’s esports capabilities to millions of people around the world.
The announcement was made during the World Finals of the Gran Turismo World Series 2025 at the Fukuoka International Congress Center in Japan, where HE Saeed Al Fazari, Executive Director of Strategic Affairs at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), took to the stage to share the news.
The opening event of the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 is organized by Polyphony Digital Inc, a subsidiary of Sony Interactive Entertainment, the developer and publisher of the Gran Turismo series, and Abu Dhabi Gaming, an initiative led by DCT Abu Dhabi that is coordinating efforts to transform the emirate into a global gaming center.
HE Al Fazari said: “Hosting the Gran Turismo World Series opener is a proud moment for Abu Dhabi and the wider MENA region, reflecting our ambition to be a destination where opportunities are limitless. It marks a significant milestone for our esports and motorsports sectors, bringing elite global competition to the emirate and showcasing Abu Dhabi’s proven ability to deliver world-leading esports and motorsports experiences. Abu Dhabi continues to provide a safe, future-proof environment for companies, investors and talent, supporting our vision to become a global hub for innovation, entertainment, gaming and motorsports.”
The Gran Turismo World Series is an annual competition to determine the best Gran Turismo player in the world, consisting of online qualifiers open to all players and live World Series events in which top racers travel to iconic destinations around the world to compete.
Gran Turismo Series Producer Kazunori Yamauchi said: “We are pleased to see Abu Dhabi host the 2026 Gran Turismo World Series opener in March 2026, marking the first time the event has been held in the Middle East. This is a historic milestone for our championship and testament to the region’s growing presence in global motorsports and esports. Furthermore, we are pleased that the Yas Marina Circuit, one of The world’s most distinctive motorsport locations, now available in Gran Turismo 7. Our goal has always been to introduce players to the thrill and heritage of racing, and Yas Marina offers a unique experience that resonates with motorsport fans and the gaming community around the world.”
The inclusion of the Yas Marina Circuit in Gran Turismo 7 further extends Abu Dhabi’s motorsport legacy into the digital arena and creates new opportunities for a global audience to connect with the emirate’s culture of competitive excellence.
“This announcement marks an exciting moment for motorsports and esports fans across this region and the world, positioning Abu Dhabi Gaming at the forefront of the global sim racing conversation and reflecting our role as a connector of world-class partners and opportunities,” said Marcos Muller-Habig, Sector Enablement Director at Abu Dhabi Gaming. “As we continue to pursue the emirate’s vision to become a premier global destination and a leading hub for the gaming and esports industries, events like the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 will be a catalyst for growth and an important milestone in our journey to build an ecosystem that nurtures talent, attracts partnerships and accelerates business development.”
Developed by Polyphony Digital Inc., a subsidiary of Sony Interactive Entertainment, Gran Turismo is considered one of the most visually and dynamically accurate driving simulators available, recently surpassing 100 million units sold for the series.
For more information about the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 Opener Abu Dhabi and tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.ae/event/1588346815.
