Home » Middle East » Abu Dhabi Set to Host the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 Opening Event, Marking the First Time the Prestigious Championship Comes to the Middle East Published on
December 21, 2025Abu Dhabi is set to make history in 2026 by hosting the opening event of the Gran Turismo World Series, marking the first time the prestigious global esports competition will take place in the Middle East. Scheduled for March 28, 2026, the event will unfold at the innovative Space42 Arena, where the world’s top Gran Turismo drivers will compete in a live, thrilling championship. This major esports event will not only captivate audiences worldwide but also highlight Abu Dhabi’s growing stature in the esports and gaming industries.Gran Turismo, a flagship racing game developed by Polyphony Digital Inc., has garnered a global fanbase for its unparalleled realism and dynamic gameplay. The Gran Turismo World Series is an annual competition where the best racers in the world come together to battle it out for the title of World Champion. This year, the opener for the 2026 edition will take place in Abu Dhabi, introducing a new chapter for the event as it moves into the Middle East for the very first time.Advertisement The announcement of this landmark event was made during the 2025 Gran Turismo World Series World Finals, held in Japan. It signifies the growing role of the Middle East in the global esports ecosystem. For Abu Dhabi, the opportunity to host the opening event of such a renowned series marks a significant milestone in its journey toward becoming a global leader in esports, gaming, and entertainment. The emirate has steadily built its reputation as a thriving hub for innovation and cutting-edge experiences, and this event will further cement that status on the world stage.Abu Dhabi’s hosting of the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 will be a significant moment not just for esports fans but for motorsports enthusiasts as well. The emirate has long been associated with high-profile motorsport events, notably the Formula 1 Grand Prix held at the Yas Marina Circuit. The inclusion of Yas Marina Circuit in Gran Turismo 7, the latest iteration of the game, will add a layer of excitement for players who will be able to race digitally on one of the world’s most famous tracks. This move highlights the seamless connection between Abu Dhabi’s real-world motorsport legacy and its burgeoning esports scene.The Gran Turismo Wor …
