Gran Turismo World Series 2026 Opens In Abu Dhabi, First Middle East Stop

Abu Dhabi is set to stage the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 opening event on 28 March 2026, bringing the championship to the Middle East for the first time. The live competition will take place at Space42 Arena and gather leading international Gran Turismo drivers, while showcasing the emirate’s esports infrastructure to a global audience.

The 2026 opener is being organised by Polyphony Digital Inc., part of Sony Interactive Entertainment, alongside Abu Dhabi Gaming, an initiative led by the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi. The collaboration aims to strengthen the emirate’s role in global gaming, motorsport and esports, supported by established digital and live event venues.

The official announcement took place during the Gran Turismo World Series 2025 World Finals at the Fukuoka International Congress Centre in Japan. On stage, Saeed Al Fazari, Executive Director of Strategic Affairs at the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, confirmed Abu Dhabi’s selection as host for the 2026 season opener.

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 possibilities are limitless. It marks a significant milestone for our esports and motorsport sectors, bringing elite global competition to the emirate and showcasing Abu Dhabi’s proven capability to deliver world-leading esports and motorsport experiences. Abu Dhabi continues to offer a secure, future-ready environment for businesses, investors and talent, supporting our vision to become a global hub for innovation, entertainment, gaming and motorsport."

The Gran Turismo World Series is held annually to crown the world’s top Gran Turismo player. The structure includes online qualifying rounds open to all eligible players, followed by live World Series events where the best-ranked drivers travel to selected international venues and compete in front of live and online audiences.

Kazunori Yamauchi, Gran Turismo series producer., said: "We are thrilled to see Abu Dhabi host the 2026 Gran Turismo World Series opener in March 2026, marking the first time the event will be held in the Middle East. This is a historic milestone for our championship and a testament to the region’s growing presence in global motorsport and esports. Additionally, we are delighted that Yas Marina Circuit, one of the world's most distinctive motorsport venues, is now available in Gran Turismo 7. Our aim has always been to connect players with the thrill and heritage of racing, and Yas Marina offers a unique experience that will resonate with motorsport fans and the gaming community worldwide."

The inclusion of Yas Marina Circuit in Gran Turismo 7 links Abu Dhabi’s real-world motorsport calendar with virtual racing platforms. This step introduces the track’s layout and atmosphere to players worldwide, creating further exposure for the emirate’s racing heritage and giving sim racing competitors another circuit that reflects an established international venue.

The upcoming 2026 event also supports Abu Dhabi Gaming’s wider goals to develop a strong local and regional ecosystem. The initiative, driven by the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, coordinates public and private partners, aiming to attract companies, enable professional players, and host major tournaments that highlight the emirate’s long-term strategy in gaming and esports.

"This announcement marks an exciting moment for motorsports and esports fans in this region and the world, and positions Abu Dhabi Gaming at the forefront of the global sim racing conversation, 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 drive 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 become catalysts for growth and a key milestone in our journey to build an ecosystem that empowers talent, attracts partnerships and accelerates business development."

Gran Turismo, created by Polyphony Digital Inc. under Sony Interactive Entertainment, is widely viewed as a highly detailed driving simulator series, both visually and in handling. The franchise recently exceeded 100 million sales, and the decision to bring the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 opener to Abu Dhabi underlines the emirate’s growing schedule of international motorsport and esports events.

With inputs from WAM