Abu Dhabi Makes New History as Host for Gran Turismo World Series Season Opener in 2026, Get the Details Here

Published on December 21, 2025

Abu Dhabi will go on record as the venue that will host the inaugural round of the prestigious Gran Turismo World Series in 2026 as it marks the first time that this celebrated simulation racing championship will ever be held in the Middle East. This will go down on the 28th of March, 2026, at the Space42 Arena, where the biggest simulation racing talents around the world will gather.

A Milestone for Abu Dhabi and the MENA Region

The announcement of Abu Dhabi as the host for the 2026 Gran Turismo World Series season opener was made during the World Finals of the 2025 series 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), took the stage to reveal the exciting news. He emphasized that hosting the Gran Turismo World Series was a significant milestone for both the emirate and the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

“It is a proud moment for Abu Dhabi and the wider MENA region, reflecting our ambition to be a destination where possibilities are limitless,” Al Fazari stated. “This event is not just a win for our esports and motorsport sectors but a testament to Abu Dhabi’s proven capability to deliver world-leading experiences.”

The Gran Turismo World Series opening will be a spectacular showcase of elite competition, drawing global attention to Abu Dhabi as an esports and motorsport destination. The emirate’s ability to host events of this scale further cements its position on the international stage as a major hub for high-profile events and tourism.

Bridging the Digital and Physical Worlds

The collaboration between Polyphony Digital, the developer of Gran Turismo, and Abu Dhabi Gaming – an initiative by DCT Abu Dhabi – has helped strengthen the link between the physical and digital realms of motorsport and gaming. A key development in this partnership was the recent addition of Yas Marina Circuit to Gran Turismo 7 during its Spec-3 update in December 2025.

Yas Marina Circuit, which opened in 2009 and is known for hosting the Formula One season-ending twilight race, has become one of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic sporting landmarks. In Gran Turismo 7, the developers have carefully recreated the circuit’s unique atmosphere, capturing the transition from daylight to dusk. Players can experience the picturesque waterfront setting of Yas Island, complete with its luxury hotels, world-class theme parks, and the circuit’s challenging mix of long straights and technical sections.

The digital recreation of Yas Marina Circuit will provide Gran Turismo players with an immersive experience, enhancing their connection to the real-world motorsport heritage of Abu Dhabi. This integration reflects Abu Dhabi’s strategy of combining world-class physical infrastructure with cutting-edge digital experiences, reinforcing its status as a leader in both motorsport and gaming.

The Gran Turismo World Series: A Global Esports Phenomenon

The Gran Turismo World Series is a prestigious annual competition that identifies the best Gran Turismo players in the world. The competition begins with online qualifiers, allowing racers from all over the globe to compete for a spot in the live World Series events, where the top players race in front of live audiences. The series is widely regarded as one of the most visually and technically accurate driving simulators, and the competition has garnered a massive following over the years.

With the season opener in Abu Dhabi, the Gran Turismo World Series will reach new heights in terms of visibility and fan engagement. The event will be broadcast internationally, attracting millions of viewers and enhancing Abu Dhabi’s global profile as a premier destination for both tourism and esports.

Kazunori Yamauchi, the producer of Gran Turismo, hailed the move as a historic milestone for the championship. “This is a testament to the region’s growing presence in global motorsport and esports,” said Yamauchi. “Yas Marina offers a unique experience that resonates with both racing fans and the gaming community.”

Abu Dhabi’s Esports Vision: Expanding the Gaming Industry

The 2026 Gran Turismo World Series season opener in Abu Dhabi will serve as a catalyst for further growth in the gaming and esports sectors. Abu Dhabi Gaming, led by DCT Abu Dhabi, has been instrumental in positioning the emirate as a premier global destination for gaming and esports. Marcos Muller-Habig, Sector Enablement Director at Abu Dhabi Gaming, highlighted that the event places the emirate at the forefront of global sim racing while supporting the vision of becoming a premier destination for esports and gaming.

In addition to increasing global awareness of Abu Dhabi’s esports potential, the event is expected to attract more international investments in the region’s growing gaming industry. The success of the Gran Turismo World Series opener will pave the way for more international esports competitions and digital events to be hosted in the emirate.

Economic Impact: Boosting Tourism and Local Business

The Gran Turismo World Series season opener in Abu Dhabi is expected to have a significant economic impact on the region. With its global broadcast reach and the influx of international esports fans, the event will bring increased tourism, particularly from fans of the Gran Turismo franchise and motorsports enthusiasts. The competition will also stimulate local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets, providing a boost to Abu Dhabi’s hospitality sector.

As Abu Dhabi continues to diversify its economy and establish itself as a leader in esports, events like the Gran Turismo World Series will be pivotal in attracting visitors and investment. The success of the event will also reinforce the emirate’s reputation as a high-end destination for both leisure and business tourism.

Abu Dhabi’s Growing Role in Global Esports

Hosting the 2026 Gran Turismo World Series season opener underlines Abu Dhabi’s critically growing position in global esports and the motorsport industry. With the integration of the heritage of real-world racing and innovative gaming technology, Abu Dhabi is solidifying its position as the premier destination for esports events with unique experiences for both players and fans. It is not only big for Abu Dhabi, but this also represents one huge step forward from the region’s ambition to be among the leading countries in the world when it comes to the fields of gaming and esports.