Published on December 22, 2025
In a historic first for the Middle East, Abu Dhabi, the vibrant capital of the United Arab Emirates, will host the opening event of the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 on March 28, 2026. This prestigious event will take place at the Space42 Arena, showcasing Abu Dhabi’s growing influence in esports and motorsports. As the world’s most exciting digital racing series kicks off its new season in the heart of the UAE, the city’s status as a global hub for innovation, entertainment, and technology is further solidified.
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 – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), and Kazunori Yamauchi, the producer of the Gran Turismo series. Their collaboration highlights Abu Dhabi’s readiness to host an event that will attract millions of esports fans and motorsport enthusiasts from around the world.
Abu Dhabi, already known for its world-class motorsport events such as the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, is now expanding its footprint in the esports industry by welcoming the Gran Turismo World Series. This high-profile event, which brings together the best virtual drivers from around the globe, will elevate the UAE’s presence in the digital gaming and motorsport communities.
The Gran Turismo World Series is an annual competition that aims to crown the best Gran Turismo player in the world. The competition begins with online qualifiers, where players from across the globe compete to earn their spots in the live events. The series then moves to major international venues, where the top drivers from each region meet to race for the title. The 2026 series opener in Abu Dhabi will mark a monumental step in the history of the event, as it’s the first time the series has taken place in the Middle East.
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Adding to the excitement, the Yas Marina Circuit, one of the most iconic motorsport venues in the world, will be featured in Gran Turismo 7. This addition allows players to virtually race on the very track that has hosted the Formula 1 Grand Prix since 2009. With this integration, Gran Turismo 7 connects real-world motorsports with virtual racing, offering players the chance to experience the thrill of Yas Marina from the comfort of their homes.
Abu Dhabi has rapidly become a global leader in the esports sector, thanks to its investments in cutting-edge technology, entertainment infrastructure, and strategic partnerships. The opening of the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 marks a milestone in Abu Dhabi’s growing presence in the world of competitive gaming and motorsports. The event also supports the UAE’s Vision 2021, which aims to position the country as a leader in innovation, technology, and global partnerships.
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The event is organized by Abu Dhabi Gaming, an initiative led by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi Gaming is dedicated to transforming the emirate into a world-class esports and gaming hub, attracting global talent, investors, and partnerships that will help develop and expand the gaming ecosystem. With Gran Turismo World Series 2026, Abu Dhabi continues to build on its reputation as a city that hosts world-class events and provides a platform for esports growth.
S.E. Saeed Al Fazari expressed the importance of this event for both Abu Dhabi and the Middle East. He stated, “Hosting the opening of the Gran Turismo World Series is a moment of pride for Abu Dhabi and the entire MENA region, reflecting our ambition to be a destination with limitless possibilities. This marks a significant step for our esports and motorsport sectors, bringing the world’s elite competitors to the emirate and showcasing Abu Dhabi’s proven capacity to deliver world-class experiences in these fields.”
The Gran Turismo World Series 2026 will also contribute to Abu Dhabi’s broader vision of becoming a global center for innovation, entertainment, gaming, and motorsports. The emirate continues to offer a safe, future-ready environment for businesses, investors, and talent, providing opportunities for growth in emerging industries such as esports.
Kazunori Yamauchi, the producer of the Gran Turismo series, also expressed excitement about this landmark event. He said, “We are excited that Abu Dhabi will host the opening of the Gran Turismo World Series 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 esports and motorsports worldwide. We are also thrilled that the Yas Marina Circuit is now available in Gran Turismo 7, offering players an authentic experience of one of the world’s most remarkable motorsport venues.”
The Gran Turismo World Series will continue to evolve, and Abu Dhabi’s role in the esports and digital gaming industry will only continue to grow. Events like this serve as catalysts for the city’s vision to become a global leader in the sectors of esports, technology, and digital innovation. For Abu Dhabi, hosting the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 is just the beginning of its journey to build an esports ecosystem that connects global talents with world-class facilities.
Tickets for the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 opening event in Abu Dhabi will be available through Ticketmaster at website. Fans from around the world can look forward to witnessing this exciting event live, making it a must-attend for all esports and motorsports enthusiasts.
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