Experience The Thrill Of Gran Turismo In Abu Dhabi As The World Series Kicks Off In The Middle East

Published on December 21, 2025

Abu Dhabi will be hosting one of the most historic events in March 2026, as the Gran Turismo World Series will be making its debut in the Middle East. The tournament will be taking place at the Space42 Arena, where the most elite Gran Turismo drivers of the world will now be able to compete live in an exciting championship. This further confirms Abu Dhabi’s prominence in the esports and motorsports activities and will position the emirate as a primary esports gaming destination, as well as a developing location for esports in general.

With the top Gran Turismo players in the world coming to Abu Dhabi for the opening event, the world will be able to witness the potential Abu Dhabi has in esports. This event also confirms Abu Dhabi’s commitment to becoming an innovative and leading destination in entertainment and gaming.

What Abu Dhabi and the Middle East have never experienced before

During the GT World Series 2025 World Finals that happened in Fukuoka, Japan, the 2026 season opener for the GT World Series was announced to take place in Abu Dhabi, making it the first time that the Gran Turismo World Series will take place in the Middle East. This announcement was made by H.E. Saeed Al Fazari, the Executive Director of Strategic Affairs at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. This is amazing for Abu Dhabi, and it shows how the Middle East is becoming more and more relevant in both esports and motorsports.

The Gran Turismo World Series is an annual tournament held to find the best player of the Gran Turismo game. Players compete to qualify for the live events that take place in some of the most famous venues around the world. They also participate in online races to qualify. The GT World Series for 2026 is starting in Abu Dhabi and is sure to take the event to the highest level of competition and exposure compared to previous events in the series.

H.E. Al Fazari stated that hosting the Gran Turismo World Series opener is important for the emirate’s development in esports and motorsports. It demonstrates that Abu Dhabi is fully committed to being a place that fosters limitless ventures and is a global center for gaming, entertainment, and innovative ventures.

Abu Dhabi’s Impact on the World of Esports and Motorsports

The partnership of Abu Dhabi Gaming and Gran Turismo Series developer Polyphony Digital is one of the central pieces of the emirate’s ambition to be a leader in the worldwide gaming and esports arena. Gaming Abu Dhabi is a government initiative through DCT Abu Dhabi that seeks to position the emirate as a destination for gaming and esports, focusing on the attraction of major events and internationally recognized talent.

Marcos Muller-Habig, Sector Enablement Director at Abu Dhabi Gaming, emphasized that the milestone is part of the emirate’s ambition to be a global hotspot for esports and gaming. He stated that the hosting of the Gran Turismo World Series opener is a part of Abu Dhabi’s strategy to fast-track economic development, nurture homegrown talent, and establish impactful collaborations with foreign gaming and entertainment sectors.

Yas Marina Circuit’s Iconic Role in Gran Turismo 7.

We are excited to announce the new addition of Yas Marina Circuit to Gran Turismo 7 for the 2026 GT World Series. Yas Marina Circuit is one of the most unique locations in the world of motorsports. For almost 15 years, Yas Marina Circuit has been a critical part of the motorsport history of Abu Dhabi. Yas Marina Circuit has hosted the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and has been a staple of the world of F1. Thanks to GT7, players will be able to race on the track in the game, featuring Abu Dhabi, cementing Abu Dhabi’s presence in the world of motorsports.

Yas Marina is one of the most designed and loved racetracks in the world, and we are thrilled to have one of the very first racetracks in the UAE have its digital counterpart in the Gran Turismo Series. Yamauchi-san, along with the Minister of Culture and Youth, honors the privilege of bringing Gran Turismo to Abu Dhabi. With Gran Turismo, players can simulate the experience of racing on the world’s most sophisticated circuit. For Yas to be a part of the game brings Abu Dhabi’s real-world racing to the virtual ecosystem and is a improvised experience for gamers.

Esports and Entertainment in Abu Dhabi

For a long time, Abu Dhabi has been recognized for hospitality, infrastructure, and for being a great host for various global events. Now, with the 2026 Gran Turismo World Series opener, Abu Dhabi would be recognized for esports, motorsports, and entertainment. This event would garner international interest for competing in gaming with Abu Dhabi for the first time, being a part of the global esports gaming community.

Adding to the growing esports portfolio in Abu Dhabi, the emirate is a motorsports hub with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, bringing in fans and competitors from around the world. This emirate has world-class facilities and a diverse offering to host major global events. This constant innovation and entertainment in the emirate reinforces its position as a global entertainment hub.

Looking Ahead: Abu Dhabi’s Growing Influence in Esports

Most people think of the opening of the 2026 Gran Turismo World Series happening in Abu Dhabi. But the Abu Dhabi officials think of it as the beginning of something much larger. The emirate of Abu Dhabi has invested a lot in the gaming, esports, and motorsport industries. The company’s focus on building world-class infrastructure for international competitions and sports innovation will lead Abu Dhabi to foster a unique sports and gaming community. The 2026 Gran Turismo World Series will be a focal point for the emirate’s vision of world-class infrastructure focused on innovation in competitive gaming and motorsports. The world will see the entertainment and innovation capabilities of Abu Dhabi. The emirate will become a global hotspot for innovation and entertainment.