Tourexpi
Abu Dhabi to host Gran Turismo World Series 2026 opener
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
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