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GTA V Finally Launches in Saudi Arabia & UAE After 12 Years

  • Publish date: Monday، 21 July 2025 Reading time: 1 min read
GTA V Finally Launches in Saudi Arabia & UAE After 12 Years

After a 12-year wait, Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) and GTA Online have officially launched in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as of July 17, 2025. Both countries’ media regulators approved the game with a 21+ age rating, marking the first time the franchise is sold unedited to mature audiences in the Gulf.

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Previously banned because of its mature content, including violence, explicit scenes, and drug use, GTA V was only available in the region through imported discs or international digital stores. The approval comes amid regulatory changes that began in 2016, when Saudi and UAE authorities started localizing age ratings and gradually lifted restrictions on blockbuster titles like Red Dead Redemption 2.

GTA V Finally Launches in Saudi Arabia & UAE After 12 Years

The 21+ rating reflects these evolving standards, giving adult gamers access while still enforcing age limits. However, some players have voiced concerns over the lack of Arabic localization, and others question if the rating fully addresses regional cultural sensitivities.

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This milestone release also signals a growing acceptance of global gaming in the Gulf. It aligns with Rockstar Games’ broader partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Advanced Initiative Company, which aims to foster the local gaming industry.

GTA V Finally Launches in Saudi Arabia & UAE After 12 Years

Fans are also hopeful this sets the stage for a timely release of GTA VI in the region, potentially avoiding the lengthy regulatory delays that plagued GTA V.

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While the launch is a big win for gamers, the community remains eager to see whether future titles will include more culturally tailored content and official Arabic support.

This article was previously published on saudimoments. To see the original article, click here

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