Abu Dhabi to Launch Gran Turismo World Series 2026, First Event in the Middle East

Abu Dhabi to Host Gran Turismo World Series 2026

For the first time in its history, Abu Dhabi will host the opening round of the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 on March 28, 2026. The event will take place at the Space42 Arena and promises to be a significant milestone for the gaming and motorsport communities in the Middle East. This announcement was made during the Gran Turismo World Series 2025 finals held in Fukuoka, Japan, by S.E. Saeed Al Fazari, the Executive Director of Strategic Affairs at the Department of Culture and Tourism of Abu Dhabi, along with Kazunori Yamauchi, the producer of the Gran Turismo series.

The Gran Turismo World Series is an annual competition aimed at crowning the best Gran Turismo player globally. It includes online qualifiers open to all players and live events where the top drivers compete in iconic destinations around the world. Abu Dhabi's role as the first Middle Eastern host marks a critical step towards elevating its status as a premier destination for esports and motorsport.

S.E. Al Fazari expressed his pride in Abu Dhabi hosting such a prestigious event, highlighting the emirate's ambition to be seen as a limitless opportunity destination. He stated, “We are excited to welcome the opening round of the Gran Turismo World Series, a landmark moment for Abu Dhabi and the MENA region. This event will showcase our proven capabilities in organizing top-tier esports and motorsport experiences.”

The Gran Turismo World Series will bring together the elite of Gran Turismo racing, enabling fans in the emirate and worldwide to engage with the excitement of competitive gaming. The competitive landscape of the event will be complemented by the presence of Yas Marina Circuit, which has been featured in Gran Turismo 7, providing players with the chance to experience the track virtually.

Kazunori Yamauchi shared his enthusiasm about the event, emphasizing that having Abu Dhabi as the opening venue is a historic moment for the championship. He stressed the growing significance of the Middle East in the global esports and motorsport landscape. “The inclusion of Yas Marina Circuit in Gran Turismo 7 allows millions of fans to interact with the legacy of motorsport in Abu Dhabi, bridging the gap between traditional racing and the digital world,” he noted.

Marcos Muller-Habig, the Director of Sector Empowerment at Abu Dhabi Gaming, remarked, “This announcement signifies a thrilling time for motorsport and esports enthusiasts both in the region and globally. It positions Abu Dhabi Gaming at the center of the global conversation on motorsport simulation and reflects our role in connecting world-class partners and opportunities.”

As Abu Dhabi continues to leverage its infrastructure and commitment to becoming a global hub for innovation, entertainment, gaming, and motorsport, hosting the Gran Turismo World Series is seen as a key catalyst for growth in these sectors. The emirate’s focus on creating a safe and future-ready environment for businesses and talents aligns with its vision to captivate and inspire a global audience.

Developed by Polyphony Digital Inc., a subsidiary of Sony Interactive Entertainment, the Gran Turismo series is renowned as one of the most realistic driving simulators available, recently surpassing 100 million sales across its titles.

For more details on the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 opening round in Abu Dhabi and ticketing, visit www.ticketmaster.ae/event/1588346815. Follow Abu Dhabi Gaming on social media for updates on this historic event and more.