A huge moment has arrived for GTA fans as Grand Theft Auto 5 is now officially launched in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Known for its controversial themes, the game was previously banned in these two nations. However, after nearly 12 years, the ban has been lifted, sparking fresh hope for Rockstar’s upcoming projects.
Middle East Moves Towards Gaming Industry Growth
Traditionally not seen as a gaming hub, the Middle East has recently become more welcoming toward the gaming industry. In 2024, the International Olympic Committee announced Saudi Arabia as the host of the inaugural Olympic eSports Games, initially set for 2025, now delayed to 2027.
Now, both Saudi Arabia and the UAE have taken another major step by lifting the ban on one of the world’s best-selling games, GTA 5, showing evolving attitudes toward entertainment and digital media.
Official Launch Date & Details
On July 3, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Media Regulation tweeted that GTA 5 and GTA Online would be available from July 17. On the same day, PlayStation Arabia confirmed that UAE players would also gain access on that date.
In Saudi Arabia, the game received a 21+ age rating, stricter than ESRB’s 18+ “Mature” label. Still, this means legal-aged players can now enjoy the full experience without content being censored, even though GTA 5 contains some of the franchise’s boldest missions.
Why Was the Ban Lifted Now?
It’s possible that regulators have relaxed over the years, or maybe GTA 5 no longer feels as shocking as it once did. Either way, this is a win for Rockstar. The game has already sold over 215 million copies, and now launching in previously banned markets will only boost sales further.
A Gift for Fans Awaiting GTA 6
While fans wait for GTA 6, expected in 2026, they now have a reason to revisit GTA 5. Although it’s uncertain whether GTA 6 will launch day one in the region, the approval of its predecessor sets a hopeful precedent.
Available Across All Platforms
The game is available on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC in both physical and digital formats. Players can grab it via Steam or local stores. The current-gen version is priced at $39.99, while the last-gen edition costs $29.99. Add-ons like Shark Cards and GTA+ are also now purchasable.
Higher Age Rating Prevents Censorship
The game took time to release due to its mature content. With the 21+ rating, Rockstar was not forced to censor any part of the game. Though Casino content in GTA Online has remained banned since 2019, the rest of the game is untouched.
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GTA’s Popularity Was Already High
Despite the previous ban, GTA was extremely popular in the region. Players imported copies or used foreign-region accounts to play. Now that it’s officially available, that popularity will likely skyrocket.
Local Distributor for GTA 6?
Rockstar has signed a distribution deal with Saudi-based Advanced Initiative Company, which will handle Take-Two titles in the region, potentially including GTA 6. This increases the chance of a day-one regional release.
Rockstar Celebrates With the Community
To celebrate the launch, Rockstar sent exclusive merch gifts to influencers and community members. YouTube channel Tbreak Media shared a Rockstar gift bag containing shirts, caps, and other cool items.
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