The announcement was made during the Gran Turismo World Series 2025 World
Finals at the Fukuoka International Congress Centre in
Japan. On stage, Saeed Al Fazari, Executive Director
of Strategic Affairs at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, officially confirmed Abu Dhabi as the host city for the 2026 season
opener.
The Gran Turismo World Series 2026 opening event is organised by Polyphony Digital Inc., a subsidiary of Sony Interactive Entertainment and developer and publisher of the Gran Turismo series, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Gaming. Abu Dhabi Gaming is an initiative led by DCT Abu Dhabi that coordinates efforts to position the emirate as a global gaming hub.
Fazari said: “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. It marks a significant milestone for our esports and motorsport sectors, bringing elite global competition to the emirate and showcasing Abu Dhabi’s proven capability to deliver world-leading esports and motorsport experiences. Abu Dhabi continues to offer a secure, future-ready environment for businesses, investors and talent, supporting our vision to become a global hub for innovation, entertainment, gaming and motorsport.”
The Gran Turismo World Series is an annual global competition designed to
determine the world’s best Gran Turismo player. It combines online qualifiers
open to players worldwide with live World Series events, where top-ranked
drivers travel to iconic international destinations to compete in front of live
audiences.
Kazunori Yamauchi, Gran Turismo series producer, highlighted the significance of the Middle East debut: “We are thrilled to see Abu Dhabi host the 2026 Gran Turismo World Series opener 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 global motorsport and esports. Additionally, we are delighted that Yas Marina Circuit, one of the world’s most distinctive motorsport venues, is now available in Gran Turismo 7. Our aim has always been to connect players with the thrill and heritage of racing, and Yas Marina offers a unique experience that will resonate with motorsport fans and the gaming community worldwide.”
The inclusion of Yas Marina Circuit in Gran Turismo
7 further extends Abu Dhabi’s motorsport legacy into the digital arena,
creating new opportunities for global audiences to engage with the emirate’s
culture of competitive excellence through sim racing.
From an ecosystem perspective, the event is also seen as a strategic
accelerator for Abu Dhabi’s gaming ambitions. Marcos Muller‑Habig,
Sector Enablement Director at Abu Dhabi Gaming, said: “This
announcement marks an exciting moment for motorsports and esports fans in this
region and the world, and positions Abu Dhabi Gaming at the forefront of the
global sim racing conversation, reflecting our role as a connector of
world-class partners and opportunities. As we continue to drive the emirate’s
vision to become a premier global destination and a leading hub for the gaming
and esports industries, 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, attracts partnerships and accelerates business development.”
Gran Turismo, developed by Polyphony Digital Inc.,
is widely regarded as one of the most visually and dynamically accurate driving
simulators in the world. The franchise has recently surpassed 100 million units
sold globally, underscoring its strong commercial performance and cultural
influence across both gaming and motorsport communities.
With the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 opener, Abu Dhabi further
strengthens its positioning at the intersection of esports, motorsport,
innovation and global entertainment, reinforcing its role as a destination
capable of hosting world-class live and digital sporting experiences.
Tags: Marcos Muller‑Habig, Abu Dhabi Gaming, Saeed Al Fazari, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi