Abu Dhabi Set to Host the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 Opening Event, Marking the First Time the Prestigious Championship Comes to the Middle East

Published on December 21, 2025

Abu Dhabi is set to make history in 2026 by hosting the opening event of the Gran Turismo World Series, marking the first time the prestigious global esports competition will take place in the Middle East. Scheduled for March 28, 2026, the event will unfold at the innovative Space42 Arena, where the world’s top Gran Turismo drivers will compete in a live, thrilling championship. This major esports event will not only captivate audiences worldwide but also highlight Abu Dhabi’s growing stature in the esports and gaming industries.

Gran Turismo, a flagship racing game developed by Polyphony Digital Inc., has garnered a global fanbase for its unparalleled realism and dynamic gameplay. The Gran Turismo World Series is an annual competition where the best racers in the world come together to battle it out for the title of World Champion. This year, the opener for the 2026 edition will take place in Abu Dhabi, introducing a new chapter for the event as it moves into the Middle East for the very first time.

The announcement of this landmark event was made during the 2025 Gran Turismo World Series World Finals, held in Japan. It signifies the growing role of the Middle East in the global esports ecosystem. For Abu Dhabi, the opportunity to host the opening event of such a renowned series marks a significant milestone in its journey toward becoming a global leader in esports, gaming, and entertainment. The emirate has steadily built its reputation as a thriving hub for innovation and cutting-edge experiences, and this event will further cement that status on the world stage.

Abu Dhabi’s hosting of the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 will be a significant moment not just for esports fans but for motorsports enthusiasts as well. The emirate has long been associated with high-profile motorsport events, notably the Formula 1 Grand Prix held at the Yas Marina Circuit. The inclusion of Yas Marina Circuit in Gran Turismo 7, the latest iteration of the game, will add a layer of excitement for players who will be able to race digitally on one of the world’s most famous tracks. This move highlights the seamless connection between Abu Dhabi’s real-world motorsport legacy and its burgeoning esports scene.

The Gran Turismo World Series brings together a diverse group of players, from casual racers to seasoned professionals, to compete in intense live events after qualifying through online tournaments. With this 2026 opener in Abu Dhabi, the region is set to play host to one of the most competitive and high-profile digital racing events in the world. This competition not only offers a stage for elite gamers but also provides an unparalleled experience for audiences who will be able to witness the action live and through online streams.

Abu Dhabi has been positioning itself as a hub for esports and digital entertainment for several years. Initiatives like Abu Dhabi Gaming, a project led by the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) Abu Dhabi, have been central to this transformation. The goal is to develop a thriving ecosystem that nurtures talent, attracts international partnerships, and fosters business growth in the gaming industry. By hosting the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 opener, Abu Dhabi is demonstrating its capability to manage world-class events and further solidify its standing as a global destination for digital innovation.

The inclusion of Yas Marina Circuit in Gran Turismo 7 adds an exciting layer to this event, as players will get the chance to race on a digital version of the iconic track. Yas Marina Circuit has been home to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for over a decade, and its virtual counterpart in the game will help bring Abu Dhabi’s racing culture to an even wider audience. As one of the most recognizable motorsport venues globally, Yas Marina’s digital presence will create a unique experience for Gran Turismo players and provide an immersive connection between virtual and real-world racing.

Abu Dhabi’s commitment to expanding its motorsport and esports presence is reflected in the careful integration of its iconic venues into the gaming world. By merging the digital racing experience with the emirate’s motorsport heritage, Abu Dhabi is offering fans a chance to experience the best of both worlds—an exciting mix of live events and virtual competitions. The Yas Marina Circuit’s digital inclusion will also act as a bridge between the physical and virtual realms of racing, drawing more fans to engage with Abu Dhabi’s motorsport culture from anywhere in the world.

The Gran Turismo World Series 2026 marks not only a major milestone for the region but also an exciting opportunity for Abu Dhabi to showcase its capabilities as a host for global esports events. With world-class infrastructure, top-tier security, and a growing pool of local talent, the emirate is well-positioned to attract more international esports events in the future. This will provide long-term economic and cultural benefits, contributing to the development of the esports sector in the region.

The success of this event will be crucial in bringing further attention and investment to Abu Dhabi’s burgeoning esports scene. As the global gaming industry continues to expand rapidly, the emirate’s role as a hub for esports will only continue to grow. Hosting the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 will allow Abu Dhabi to tap into a new market, attracting global players, gaming brands, and industry professionals while also engaging local communities and fans.

Gran Turismo, with over 100 million copies sold globally, has long been recognized as one of the most realistic and thrilling driving simulators. The upcoming 2026 Gran Turismo World Series will highlight the franchise’s commitment to offering players an immersive and engaging experience. As the world watches, Abu Dhabi will prove that it is not only a destination for motorsport but also a rising force in the world of esports and digital entertainment.

Abu Dhabi’s hosting of the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 is a bold step in the emirate’s ongoing efforts to build a vibrant, innovative, and interconnected gaming and motorsports ecosystem. As the region continues to evolve, this event will serve as a major milestone in its transformation into a leading global hub for esports, motorsport, and entertainment.