Twelve years after its global debut, Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) and GTA Online have officially launched in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The launch took place on Thursday, July 17, following long-awaited regulatory approval under new age-rating guidelines.
Though never explicitly banned, GTA V and GTA Online were previously inaccessible in the region due to strict media regulations on mature content. The approval comes after both nations granted the games a 21+ classification, clearing the path for legal distribution.
Players in the Gulf can now purchase GTA V and GTA Online on PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC, both digitally and in physical stores. The announcement came through PlayStation Arabia’s official X account, sparking excitement among fans who had waited more than a decade.
The core content remains intact. However, casino and gambling features in GTA Online have been disabled to comply with regional laws and cultural values. Rockstar made these adjustments to meet the local requirements while preserving the core gameplay experience.
The launch also marks the start of a new partnership between Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar’s parent company, and the Saudi-based Advanced Initiative Company. This agreement will oversee the release and distribution of all upcoming Take-Two titles in the Gulf region.
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The timing aligns with global speculation around GTA VI, set to launch on May 26, 2026. With the new regulatory framework in place, fans in Saudi Arabia and the UAE could enjoy a day-one release alongside the rest of the world pending final approvals.
For now, Gulf-based gamers can finally step into Los Santos legally, making this one of the most significant gaming milestones in the region’s history.
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