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| The Gran Turismo World Series 2026 season opens in Abu Dhabi on March 28. |
By Jon Scarr
Abu Dhabi will host the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 opening event for the first time, marking the championship’s debut in the Middle East. The event is scheduled for March 28, 2026, and will take place at the Space42 Arena. It will bring together the world’s top Gran Turismo drivers for a live championship event, with fans in the emirate and a global audience watching worldwide.
The announcement was made during the Gran Turismo World Series 2025 World Finals at the Fukuoka International Congress Centre in Japan. H.E. Saeed Al Fazari, Executive Director of Strategic Affairs at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), appeared on stage to share the news.
Abu Dhabi Hosts the 2026 Season Opener on March 28
The Gran Turismo World Series is an annual competition that determines the world’s best Gran Turismo competitor. It includes online qualifiers open to all racers, followed by live World Series events where top drivers travel to destinations around the world to compete.
The Gran Turismo World Series 2026 opening event is organized by Polyphony Digital Inc., a subsidiary of Sony Interactive Entertainment, and the developer and publisher of the Gran Turismo series. The event is also organized with Abu Dhabi Gaming, an initiative led by DCT Abu Dhabi that coordinates efforts to transform the emirate into a global gaming hub.
Yas Marina Circuit Is Now Available in Gran Turismo 7
The press announcement also confirms that Yas Marina Circuit is now available in Gran Turismo 7 on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. The circuit is included in the game, giving racers around the world the chance to drive Abu Dhabi’s flagship track.
For Gran Turismo fans, the opener also highlights how closely the World Series continues to tie real-world circuits to the in-game experience, with Yas Marina now playable in Gran Turismo 7 ahead of the 2026 season.
Organizers Share Comments From Abu Dhabi and Polyphony Digital
In a statement included in the announcement, H.E. Saeed Al Fazari said hosting the opener is a proud moment for Abu Dhabi and the wider MENA region. He described it as a milestone for the emirate’s esports and motorsport sectors, and said the event will help showcase Abu Dhabi’s ability to deliver large-scale esports and motorsport experiences.
Gran Turismo series producer Kazunori Yamauchi also commented on the event, saying the March 2026 opener in Abu Dhabi is a historic milestone for the championship. He added that Yas Marina Circuit is now available in Gran Turismo 7, and said the goal is to connect racers with the thrill and heritage of motorsport through venues like Yas Marina.
Marcos Muller-Habig, Sector Enablement Director at Abu Dhabi Gaming, said the announcement is an exciting moment for motorsports and esports fans. He added that it places Abu Dhabi Gaming at the forefront of the global sim racing conversation, and pointed to the emirate’s broader vision to support gaming and esports growth.
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| Organizers appear on stage during the announcement of the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 opener in Abu Dhabi. |
Where to Get Tickets and Learn More
Tickets and more information about the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 Opener in Abu Dhabi are available via Ticketmaster UAE: ticketmaster.ae/event/1588346815 .
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