Abu Dhabi will host the opening event of the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 on March 28 at the Space42 Arena, marking the first time the championship has been held in the Middle East.
The announcement was made during the Gran Turismo World Series 2025 World Finals at the Fukuoka International Congress Centre in Japan. Saeed Al Fazari, Executive Director of Strategic Affairs at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), revealed the news on stage.
Polyphony Digital Inc, a subsidiary of Sony Interactive Entertainment, is organising the event in partnership with Abu Dhabi Gaming, an initiative led by DCT Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi positions itself as gaming and motorsport hub
“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,” Al Fazari said.
The Gran Turismo World Series is an annual competition that determines the world’s top Gran Turismo player. The championship comprises online qualifiers open to all players and live World Series events where top racers travel to destinations worldwide to compete.
“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,” Kazunori Yamauchi, Gran Turismo series producer added.
The inclusion of Yas Marina Circuit in the game extends Abu Dhabi’s motorsport legacy into the digital arena, creating opportunities for audiences to connect with the emirate’s culture of competition.
Abu Dhabi Gaming lands Gran Turismo World Series 2026 opening event
Marcos Muller Habig, Sector Enablement Director at Abu Dhabi Gaming, said: “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.”
He added: “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.”
The event will bring together top Gran Turismo drivers to compete in a live championship, engaging fans in the emirate and reaching millions of viewers worldwide.
Gran Turismo, developed by Polyphony Digital Inc, a subsidiary of Sony Interactive Entertainment, is regarded as one of the most accurate driving simulators available. The series has surpassed 100 million sales.
