GTA V Finally Launches in Saudi Arabia & UAE After 12 Years—Comes with New 21+ Rating

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 release under a 21+ age rating, a first for the franchise, allowing the game to be sold unedited to mature audiences.

Previously banned due to its mature content—violence, explicit scenes, and drug references—GTA V was only accessible via imported copies or international digital storefronts. The 21+ rating follows regulatory shifts since 2016, when Saudi and UAE authorities started localizing ratings and gradually eased restrictions on titles like Red Dead Redemption 2.

The launch aligns with Rockstar’s broader partnership with Saudi’s Advanced Initiative Company and signals rising acceptance of global gaming in the Gulf. However, some local gamers have expressed concerns—citing the lack of Arabic localization and questioning whether the 21+ label fully addresses cultural sensitivities.

This milestone is also seen as paving the way for a timely release of GTA VI in the region, possibly without the lengthy regulatory delays experienced by GTA V.