Gran Turismo World Series 2026 Chooses Abu Dhabi, A Major Boost for Middle East Gaming and Motorsport: All You Need to Know

Published on December 20, 2025

Abu Dhabi is set to achieve another major milestone on the global esports calendar as it prepares to host the opening round of the Gran Turismo World Series 2026, marking the first time the prestigious competition will take place in the Middle East. Scheduled for 28 March 2026, the landmark event will unfold at the state-of-the-art Space42 Arena, bringing together the world’s elite Gran Turismo drivers for a live championship that blends competitive intensity with immersive digital racing.

The decision to stage the season opener in the UAE capital reflects Abu Dhabi’s rapidly growing influence within the international gaming and esports ecosystem. With a reputation for delivering world-class sporting and entertainment events, the emirate will provide a high-profile stage for professional sim racers while offering fans an opportunity to experience the excitement of a global esports competition firsthand. Millions of viewers around the world are also expected to follow the action through live broadcasts and digital platforms, further amplifying Abu Dhabi’s presence on the global gaming map.

The announcement was revealed on the international stage during the Gran Turismo World Series 2025 World Finals, held at the Fukuoka International Congress Centre in Japan. The moment underscored the significance of Abu Dhabi’s selection, positioning the city alongside some of the world’s most renowned host destinations for elite esports events.

Organisation of the 2026 opening event will be led by Polyphony Digital Inc., the acclaimed developer and publisher behind the Gran Turismo franchise and a subsidiary of Sony Interactive Entertainment. The event will be delivered in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Gaming, an initiative spearheaded by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, which aims to accelerate the emirate’s transformation into a leading global hub for gaming, esports and interactive entertainment. Through strategic partnerships and international events, the initiative seeks to attract talent, investment and innovation to the region.

The Gran Turismo World Series is widely recognised as the pinnacle of competitive sim racing. Each season features a two-stage format, beginning with online qualifying rounds that are open to players worldwide. The most skilled competitors then advance to live World Series events hosted in iconic cities, where they compete under intense conditions to claim the title of the world’s best Gran Turismo driver. The series has become a benchmark for professional esports racing, combining cutting-edge simulation technology with the drama of live competition.

Abu Dhabi’s growing association with Gran Turismo has also been strengthened through the inclusion of Yas Marina Circuit in Gran Turismo 7. The legendary Formula 1 venue’s digital presence allows players around the world to race on a virtual representation of one of motorsport’s most recognisable tracks. This fusion of real-world racing heritage and digital competition reinforces Abu Dhabi’s long-standing motorsport legacy while opening new pathways for global audiences to engage with the emirate through gaming.

Gran Turismo itself continues to be a defining force in the racing simulation genre. Developed by Polyphony Digital, the series is celebrated for its exceptional visual realism, precise physics and authentic driving experience. Having recently surpassed 100 million copies sold worldwide, the franchise remains one of the most successful and influential titles in gaming history. Its ability to bridge the worlds of motorsport, technology and esports has played a central role in elevating competitive sim racing to a global phenomenon.

By hosting the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 opening event, Abu Dhabi will not only welcome the world’s top sim racing talent but also reinforce its commitment to innovation, digital culture and international competition. The event represents a powerful convergence of gaming, motorsport and entertainment, positioning the emirate at the forefront of a rapidly evolving global industry.