If you’re an eSports enthusiast, the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 should be a must-visit on your calendar. This year, the GTWS is starting off the season with the opening round scheduled for Abu Dhabi on the 28th of March, 2026 at the Space42 Arena. It’s the first time that the prestigious sim racing event is going to happen in the Middle East, with tickets already on sale for the live event at present.
You can witness 24 drivers compete in the Nations Cup and also the Manufacturers Cup to start the four-round championship worldwide. Of course, it goes without saying that you should swiftly book your accommodation in Abu Dhabi to stay near the action. Where should you stay and what accommodation should you choose? Let’s delve deeper into these aspects below.
Gran Turismo World Series Abu Dhabi 2026- What to Expect
The first round happening in Abu Dhabi coincides with the Yas Marina Circuit being added as a part of the Gran Turismo 7 recent update (Spec III). The Manufacturers Cup will witness representation by drivers of the top-ranked manufacturers from the online qualifiers, in tandem with Mazda and Toyota, the official partners for the championship. One driver from every manufacturer will be participating in each race. The top-ranked competitors from the Americas will be competing in round one to earn World Series Points. The Nations Cup also has the top three players from 2025 Gran Turismo World Series points standings and the nine quickest drivers from the online qualifiers this year.
Four EMEA drivers will get a place, in addition to two each from South and Central America. One driver each will represent Asia, North America, and Oceania. Of course, unlike other sim racing championships, GTWS gives drivers a chance to represent the world’s biggest car manufacturers. The 2025 edition saw Porsche winning the Manufacturers Cup, while Jose Serrano won the Nations Cup. Last year also saw an interesting twist when F1 World Champion Max Verstappen launched his own racing team in the championship. So, now that you’re excited to attend the event, what’s the perfect accommodation for your stay in Abu Dhabi? Let’s find out more below.
Why Choose Serviced Apartments in Abu Dhabi for the GTWS 2026?
Now comes the big question- why choose serviced apartments out of all the Abu Dhabi stays options that are available? Hotels are quite costly and come with several expensive add-ons, while having rigid lease terms which do not facilitate cost-effective extended stays. The same story is also true for rentals which may not always be as well-equipped or affordably priced as you desire. In this context, staying near the GTWS 2026 can actually be more enjoyable if you book a serviced apartment. It can actually be the perfect stay in Abu Dhabi with its flexible lease terms (both short and long-term stays with extendable leases), multiple configurations to suit all travelers and travel groups, and abundant space and privacy that is more than any hotel or rental.
You’ll be able to quickly move into fully furnished apartments and feel at home with the appliances and amenities designed to make daily living more comfortable. On the other hand, there are hotel-style services like receptions/concierges, housekeeping, and laundry available along with high-speed Wi-Fi, kitchens to cook meals (saving you money on dining out each day), security features and a lot more. You get all this in prime locations near the GTWS venue and that too at attractive rates that include utilities, services and Wi-Fi in most cases. So, what’s not to like? You can enjoy the comfort of home with the amenities and services of a hotel with easy access to the main event itself at reasonable rates.
Where to Book Serviced Apartments in Abu Dhabi for GTWS 2026?
Now that you’ve got an idea of the key benefits of serviced apartments and why you should choose them for your Abu Dhabi trip, it’s time to look at the best locations worth considering for your stay. Let’s take a look at your available options in this regard.
· Yas Island- This is the closest area to the circuit and you’ll find several accommodation choices within walking distance as well. Along with GTWS itself, you can also explore multiple landmarks here, including the Yas Waterworld, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World, Yas Marina Circuit, and even the Yas Mall. Dining and nightlife options are abundantly available here, while there are free shuttle services available to visit local landmarks.
· Al Raha Beach- You’ll be about 10-15 minutes away from the GTWS venue when you choose this neighborhood. It’s got luxurious accommodation choices while landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Yas Island are also nearby. You may love the waterfront lifestyle here with its serene environment and access to multiple restaurants and cafes at Al Muneera.
· Saadiyat Island- Saadiyat Island is approximately 20 minutes away from the event venue and offers a more beach-oriented lifestyle with a relaxed vibe. You will find several attractions nearby like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and some gorgeous beaches. It’s close to the downtown than Yas Island, while still being accessible.
· Khalifa City- You’ll be about 15-20 minutes away from the venue, with the area being more residential in nature. There’s easy access to the highway that runs to Yas Island, while the accommodation rates are also lower. Local amenities are also well-developed in the neighborhood.
Now that you’ve got all the details, here’s wishing you an enjoyable Abu Dhabi trip ahead to attend the Gran Turismo World Series 2026. Make sure you book your accommodation in advance to avoid the last-minute rush.
