UPDATE: For the first time in history, Abu Dhabi will host the 2026 Gran Turismo World Series opener on March 28, 2026, at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit. This landmark event was just announced during the Gran Turismo World Series 2025 World Finals in Fukuoka, Japan, marking a significant milestone for the Middle East’s esports landscape.
This exciting development promises to unite the world’s top Gran Turismo drivers in a live championship, engaging fans locally and showcasing Abu Dhabi’s emerging status as a global esports hub. The announcement came from H.E. Saeed Al Fazari, Executive Director of Strategic Affairs at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), who emphasized the event’s potential to elevate the emirate’s profile in international motorsport and esports.
The Gran Turismo World Series, organized by Polyphony Digital Inc., a subsidiary of Sony Interactive Entertainment, involves a series of competitions to identify the best Gran Turismo player globally. In his statement, Kazunori Yamauchi, series producer, expressed enthusiasm for the inclusion of Yas Marina Circuit in Gran Turismo 7, further intertwining the emirate’s rich motorsport culture with the gaming community.
In addition to the thrill of competition, this event is poised to attract significant international attention, with millions of esports fans expected to tune in. Al Fazari remarked, “Hosting the Gran Turismo World Series opener is a proud moment for Abu Dhabi and the wider MENA region, reflecting our ambition to be a destination where possibilities are limitless.”
The event not only highlights Abu Dhabi’s commitment to esports but also serves as a catalyst for growth in the region’s gaming industry. Marcos Muller-Habig, Sector Enablement Director at Abu Dhabi Gaming, stated, “This announcement marks an exciting moment for motorsports and esports fans… events like the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 become catalysts for growth and a key milestone in our journey to build an ecosystem that empowers talent.”
As the date approaches, fans can expect more details on ticket sales and event programming. This announcement is set to reshape the landscape of esports in the Middle East, creating new opportunities and solidifying Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a premier destination for gaming and entertainment.
For more information about the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 opener in Abu Dhabi and ticket sales, visit www.ticketmaster.ae/event/1588346815. Follow Abu Dhabi Gaming on social media platforms for the latest updates.
