Abu Dhabi Set to Host the 2026 Gran Turismo World Series Opening Event

Abu Dhabi to Make History with Gran Turismo World Series

In an exciting announcement made during the Gran Turismo World Series 2025 Finals in Fukuoka, Japan, Abu Dhabi is set to host the opening event of the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 on March 28, 2026. This marks a significant milestone as it will be the first time the Middle East hosts this prestigious racing event.

The Gran Turismo World Series is an annual competition that gathers the best Gran Turismo drivers from around the globe, and by staging the opening event at the Space42 Arena in Abu Dhabi, it aims to attract gaming and motorsport enthusiasts alike. H.E. Saeed Al Fazari, Executive Director of Strategic Affairs at Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT), expressed pride in this achievement, highlighting its importance for both Abu Dhabi and the entire MENA region.

This event is organized by Polyphony Digital Inc., a subsidiary of Sony Interactive Entertainment, along with Abu Dhabi Gaming, which aims to solidify the emirate's position as a global gaming hub. Al Fazari emphasized that the Gran Turismo World Series will showcase Abu Dhabi's capabilities in delivering world-class e-sport and motorsport experiences and has the potential to attract significant international competition to the region.

In addition to boasting a reputation in the virtual racing community, Abu Dhabi offers a state-of-the-art environment for businesses and investors in this rapidly growing sector. The Yas Marina Circuit, which features prominently in Gran Turismo 7, stands as a testament to the emirate's rich motorsport heritage and innovation.

Gran Turismo series producer Kazunori Yamauchi also expressed excitement about bringing the event to Abu Dhabi, stating, "This is a historic milestone for our championship and a testament to the growing presence of the region in the global motorsport and e-sport scenes." The combination of the real-world Yas Marina Circuit and its digital counterpart in Gran Turismo serves to enhance the racing experience for fans globally, providing a unique connection to the thrill of motorsport.

Mark your calendars for March 28, 2026, as this event is expected to be a significant catalyst for growth within Abu Dhabi's gaming and e-sport industries. With its forward-thinking plans and initiatives, the emirate aims to foster an ecosystem that nurtures talent, attracts partnerships, and accelerates business development in the entertainment and gaming sectors.

If you’re interested in attending, tickets will be available through Ticketmaster. For more updates on Abu Dhabi Gaming, follow them on Instagram, YouTube, and Twitch.

This historic opening event in Abu Dhabi will not only provide thrilling competition for drivers and spectators but will also highlight the emirate's bright future in global entertainment and e-sports. The anticipation is building, and Abu Dhabi is ready to welcome the world to experience this momentous occasion in 2026.