Why the Gran Turismo World Series is Headed to Abu Dhabi in 2026
The Gran Turismo World Series is set to make a historic move to Abu Dhabi in 2026, marking the first time the prestigious racing series will be held in the Middle East. This announcement was made during the 2025 Gran Turismo World Series Finals in Japan, where Polyphony Digital revealed the exciting news. The series creator, Kazunori Yamauchi, and His Excellency Saeed Al-Fazari, executive director of strategic affairs at the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi, discussed the reasons behind this significant cultural expansion.
A Unique Car Culture
One of the key insights from the interview was Yamauchi's observation of the local demographic in the UAE. Unlike the male-dominated perception of car culture in the West and Japan, the UAE stands out for its inclusive enthusiasm. Yamauchi noted, 'In Japan, Europe, or the Americas, cars are often seen as a boys' hobby. But in the UAE, men and women are equally passionate about cars, which was a pleasant surprise.' This observation is supported by the region's history with the franchise, including the first-ever female GT Academy regional finalist, Faieza Al Kendi, from the Middle East in 2013.
The Yas Marina Circuit
The Yas Marina Circuit, synonymous with Formula 1, took on a new meaning for Yamauchi through the lens of Gran Turismo 7's physics engine. He shared, 'When I drove the circuit in a GT3 car in Gran Turismo, I realized its technical demands. The Data Logger revealed how the track's character changes depending on the car, requiring a different driving style and gear usage.' This insight highlights the circuit's complexity and the franchise's ability to capture the essence of real-world racing.
A Gateway to the MENA Region
For His Excellency Saeed Al-Fazari, hosting the World Series in Abu Dhabi is a pivotal moment for the 'Abu Dhabi Gaming' initiative. He described the partnership with Polyphony Digital as 'essential' to setting a 'new standard in event excellence.' Abu Dhabi's strategic location, within an eight-hour flight of 80% of the world's population, makes it an ideal hub for digital competition. The city's infrastructure is 'future-ready,' capable of accommodating large crowds without the need for new stadiums.
The Space42 Arena, located in the trendy Al Raha Beach area, will host Round 1 of the new season. This multi-purpose arena is perfectly suited to the Gran Turismo World Series, offering an immersive experience for fans.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026
- Doors Open: 14:45 local time (1045 UTC)
- Tickets: Available now, with prices starting at 130 AED for adults and 80 AED for U18.
A Decade in the Making
While this marks the first official World Series live event in the region, Gran Turismo has a long-standing connection with the UAE. The Dubai 24 Hours was a frequent destination for GT Academy champions, and the Yas Marina Circuit hosted the GT Academy European Race Camp in 2015. The return to Abu Dhabi in 2026 feels like a full circle moment, where top players will compete in the virtual world, showcasing their skills on the real-world track.
