Abu Dhabi to host Gran Turismo World Series 2026 opener - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Abu Dhabi will host the opening event of the Gran Turismo World Series 2026, marking the championship’s first appearance in the Middle East. Scheduled for 28 March 2026 at Space42 Arena, the event will bring together the world’s top Gran Turismo drivers for a live competition, engaging local fans and showcasing the emirate’s growing esports credentials to a global audience.

Global announcement in Japan

The announcement was made during the Gran Turismo World Series 2025 World Finals at the Fukuoka International Congress Centre in Japan. The 2026 opener will be organised by Polyphony Digital Inc., developer and publisher of the Gran Turismo series, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Gaming, an initiative led by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).

“Hosting the Gran Turismo World Series opener is a proud moment for Abu Dhabi and the wider MENA region,” said H.E. Saeed Al Fazari, Executive Director of Strategic Affairs at DCT Abu Dhabi. “It reflects our ambition to bring elite global competition to the emirate and highlights Abu Dhabi’s proven ability to deliver world-class esports and motorsport experiences.”

Yas Marina Circuit joins Gran Turismo 7

The event coincides with the inclusion of Yas Marina Circuit in Gran Turismo 7 for PlayStation 4 and 5, allowing players worldwide to race on Abu Dhabi’s flagship track in the digital arena. The move extends the emirate’s motorsport legacy into sim racing and connects global gaming audiences with one of the region’s most recognisable venues.

Kazunori Yamauchi, producer of the Gran Turismo series, described the decision as a milestone for the championship. “We are delighted to see Abu Dhabi host the 2026 opener, the first time the event will be held in the Middle East. It underlines the region’s growing presence in global motorsport and esports and brings a unique racing experience to players worldwide.”

Strengthening Abu Dhabi’s esports profile

The Gran Turismo World Series is an annual competition combining open online qualifiers with live events at international destinations to determine the world’s best Gran Turismo players. According to Abu Dhabi Gaming, hosting the opener positions the emirate as an increasingly influential hub for gaming and esports.

“This event places Abu Dhabi at the centre of the global sim racing conversation,” said Marcos Muller-Habig, Sector Enablement Director at Abu Dhabi Gaming. “It supports our goal of building a dynamic ecosystem that attracts talent, partnerships and long-term growth.”

Further details on tickets and event information are available via Ticketmaster UAE.

Image Credit: © Abu Dhabi Gaming