- The iconic Yas Marina Circuit included in Gran Turismo 7, for PlayStation 4 and 5, giving players around the world the opportunity to explore and race the emirate’s flagship circuit.
- Announcement made at the 2025 Gran Turismo World Series Global Finals in Fukuoka, Japan
ABU DHABI, UAE, December 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — For the first time in the Middle East, Abu Dhabi will host the opening event of the 2026 Gran Turismo World Series, scheduled for the 28th from March 2026 at the Space42 Arena. This historic event will bring together the world’s best Gran Turismo drivers to compete in an elite live championship, engaging fans across the emirate and showcasing Abu Dhabi’s esports capabilities to millions of people around the world.
The announcement was made during the Gran Turismo World Series 2025 Global Finals at the Fukuoka International Convention Center in Japan, where HE Saeed Al Fazari, Executive Director of Strategic Affairs at the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), took to the stage to share the news.
The Gran Turismo World Series 2026 opening event is organized by Polyphony Digital Inc, a subsidiary of Sony Interactive Entertainment, developer and publisher of the Gran Turismo series, and Abu Dhabi Gaming, an initiative led by DCT Abu Dhabi that is coordinating efforts to transform the emirate into a global gaming hub.
HE Al Fazari said: “Hosting the opening of the Gran Turismo World Series is a proud moment for Abu Dhabi and the wider MENA region, reflecting our ambition to be a destination where possibilities are limitless. ability to deliver world-leading esports and motorsport experiences. Abu Dhabi continues to provide a secure, future-ready environmentment for businesses, investors and talents, supporting our vision to become a global hub for innovation, entertainment, gaming and motorsport.
The Gran Turismo World Series is an annual competition to determine the best Gran Turismo player in the world. It includes online qualifiers open to all players and live World Series events where top racers travel to iconic destinations around the world to compete.
Kononori Yamauchi, producer of the tourism series.said: “We are delighted to see Abu Dhabi host the opening of the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 in March 2026, marking the first time the event will take place 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. to connect players with the thrill and heritage of motor racing, and Yas Marina delivers a unique experience that will resonate with motorsport fans and the gaming community around the world. »
The inclusion of Yas Marina Circuit in Gran Turismo 7 further extends Abu Dhabi’s motorsport heritage into the digital arena, creating new opportunities for global audiences to connect with the emirate’s culture of competitive excellence.
“This announcement marks an exciting moment for motorsport and esports fans in this region and around the world, and positions Abu Dhabi Gaming at the forefront of the global sim racing debate, reflecting our role as a connector of world-class partners and opportunities,” said Marcos Muller‑Habig, Director of Industry Enablement at Abu Dhabi Gaming. “As we continue To realize the emirate’s vision of becoming a leading global destination and leading hub for the gaming and esports industries, events like the The Gran Turismo World Series 2026 becomes catalysts for growth and a key step in our journey to build an ecosystem that empowers talent and attracts partnerships and accelerates business development.
Gran Turismo, developed by Polyphony Digital Inc., a subsidiary of Sony Interactive Entertainment, is considered one of the most visually and dynamically accurate driving simulators, recently surpassing 100 million sales of the series.
For more information on the 2026 Gran Turismo World Series opening in Abu Dhabi and tickets, please visit www.ticketmaster.ae/event/1588346815.
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SOURCE Abu Dhabi Games
