GTA V Officially Launches in Saudi Arabia and UAE After 12-Year Ban
I bet you thought this was going to be a article on GTA 6 didn't you....
After more than a decade of prohibition, Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) has been officially released in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as of July 17, 2025. This marks a significant shift in the region’s approach to gaming content, particularly for titles with mature themes.
The game now carries a unique 21+ age rating in both countries, a classification higher than the standard PEGI 18, reflecting its explicit content involving violence, crime, and adult themes.
This new rating framework has allowed GTA V to be released without major content modifications, a departure from previous practices where games were often censored or banned outright.
The release was facilitated through a partnership between Rockstar Games’ parent company, Take-Two Interactive, and the Saudi-based Advanced Initiative Company, ensuring compliance with local regulations and distribution standards.
While many gamers in the region have welcomed the official availability of GTA V, some have expressed concerns over the lack of Arabic language support, suggesting that the release could have been more inclusive.
This development is seen as a potential indicator for future releases, including the highly anticipated GTA VI, which is scheduled for release on May 9, 2026. The successful launch of GTA V may pave the way for more mature titles to enter the Middle Eastern market, provided they align with the new regulatory frameworks.
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