Gran Turismo esports is finally doing a Middle East opener

Gran Turismo’s official esports series is doing something new for 2026: it’s starting the season in the Middle East. Round 1 lands in Abu Dhabi on 28 March 2026, hosted at Space42 Arena, with an afternoon-to-evening programme that includes both the Manufacturers Cup and Nations Cup races. Ticket prices are in AED, and under-18s get a cheaper rate (but they must come with an adult). 

If you’re the type who’s spent “just one more lap” hours in Gran Turismo 7, this is basically your excuse to see the best players do it under stage lights.

What this event actually is (in normal-people terms)

This is the Gran Turismo World Series, PlayStation’s official Gran Turismo 7 championship. It’s not a casual community tournament. It’s the global circuit where top drivers qualify online, then race at live events. 

• It’s run across two main competitions:
  • Manufacturers Cup: drivers race representing car brands
  • Nations Cup: drivers represent their country/territory
• Abu Dhabi is Round 1 of a four-event live season for 2026.  
• The Abu Dhabi stop lines up neatly with Yas Marina Circuit arriving in GT7 via the Spec III update (December 2025).  

And yes, it’s esports — but it’s also motorsport culture, just with fewer petrol fumes and more rig cables.

Date, venue, and timings (so you can plan your day)

The essentials are refreshingly clear on the event page. 

• Date: Saturday, 28 March 2026
• Venue: Space42 Arena, Abu Dhabi
• Doors open: 14:45
• Show starts: 16:00
• Estimated end: 20:45
• Support event: 15:00 (listed as TBA)

Schedule rundown:

• 14:45 — Doors open
• 15:00 — Support event (TBA)
• 16:00 — Manufacturers Cup
• 17:30 — Interval
• 19:00 — Nations Cup
• 20:45 — End (estimated)
  

Helpful links for logistics:

• Space42 Arena visitor info: Space42 Arena “Plan a visit”  

If you’re also tracking major regional gaming events, here’s our coverage of Games of the Future 2025 in Abu Dhabi.

Ticket prices in AED (Premium vs Standard)

There are two ticket types, and both include access to both main shows. 

• Premium Ticket
  • Adult: AED 150
  • U18: AED 100
• Standard Ticket
  • Adult: AED 130
  • U18: AED 80

Rules worth knowing:

• One ticket = both Manufacturers Cup + Nations Cup
• U18 tickets are discounted
• Minors must be accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket  

For buying, the official page points UAE buyers to Ticketmaster: 

• Ticket link: Ticketmaster UAE (GTWS Abu Dhabi

Want context on why this matters for GT7 players? Our roundup from PlayStation’s State of Play also mentioned GT7 Spec III (the update tied to Yas Marina’s in-game arrival).

What to expect on the day

This is a seated, stage-run live esports show — think big screens, commentary, and set-piece racing moments.

• Expect two main blocks (Manufacturers, then Nations) with an interval
• Expect a support segment before the main show (still TBA)
• The event pitch is “world’s elite drivers” with 12 Nations Cup drivers and 12 Manufacturers Cup reps.  

And if you’re coming from Dubai, it’s very doable as a day trip — just don’t treat the 14:45 doors time like a suggestion.

FAQ

When is the Gran Turismo World Series Abu Dhabi event?

It’s on Saturday, 28 March 2026. 

Where is it happening?

At Space42 Arena in Abu Dhabi (Al Raha St, Al Rahah). 

What time does it start and finish?

Doors open 14:45, the show starts 16:00, and it’s expected to end around 20:45 (local time).

How much are tickets in the UAE?

Adult tickets are AED 130 (Standard) or AED 150 (Premium). Under-18 tickets are AED 80 (Standard) or AED 100 (Premium).

Can under-18s attend on their own?

No. The event notes that all minors must be accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket. 

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