After more than a decade, Grand Theft Auto 5 is now officially available in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Rockstar’s blockbuster title was previously banned in both countries due to its violent and controversial content. However, the restrictions have now been lifted, giving players in the region access to both GTA5 and GTA Online.
The Saudi General Authority of Media Regulation confirmed on July 3 that the game would launch on July 17. On the same day, the official PlayStation Arabia account also announced the game’s release in the UAE. Both countries have assigned the game a 21+ age rating, which is stricter than the ESRB’s Mature rating, but it allows adults to purchase and play the game legally.
The release comes 12 years after GTA 5 first launched in 2013. The game quickly became one of the best-selling titles of all time, recently surpassing 215 million units sold worldwide. The new availability in Saudi Arabia and the UAE may further boost those numbers.
While the Middle East has not traditionally been known for its gaming industry, that trend is beginning to shift. In 2024, the International Olympic Committee selected Saudi Arabia to host the first Olympic Esports Games, which are now expected in 2027. This growing openness to gaming may explain why these long-standing bans have been reversed.
GTA 5 has long been controversial, with violent missions and mature content at its core. Its release in two conservative countries is surprising, but also signals changing views on video games in the region. Officials have not explained the exact reason for the policy shift, but it may reflect evolving cultural standards or a new perspective on the game’s impact.
As fans wait for GTA 6, which is now expected to release in 2026, the arrival of GTA 5 in new markets gives gamers in Saudi Arabia and the UAE something to enjoy in the meantime. It also sets a precedent that could influence future decisions about game approvals in the region.
