Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto V and GTA Online have made their long-awaited debut in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, nearly 12 years after their initial global release. This significant development was confirmed by the General Authority for Media Regulation in Saudi Arabia and the UAE Media Council, which granted the game a new 21+ age rating. This approval marks a pivotal moment for the gaming landscape in the region, indicating a shift towards more progressive content regulation and a readiness to embrace games previously deemed too controversial for local audiences.
Breaking Barriers in Gaming
For many years, GTA V was inaccessible in these countries due to its portrayal of violence, sex, and drug use, which conflicted with the conservative local policies. Nevertheless, determined players found ways to circumvent these restrictions, often resorting to importing physical copies or creating foreign PlayStation and Xbox accounts to download the game. Now, local gamers can finally purchase and enjoy the title legally, highlighting the importance of this regulatory approval.
According to Niko Partners’ 2025 MENA-3 Gamer Behavior & Market Insights Report, over 90% of PC and console players in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt are already over the age of 21. The gaming market in these countries is projected to grow from billion in 2024 to .8 billion by 2029, with the total number of gamers expected to reach 84.3 million. This growth presents a compelling incentive for publishers to align their global release strategies with the MENA markets.
(Image credit: Rockstar Games / YouTube)
This approval coincides with a newly established partnership between Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar’s parent company, and the Saudi-based Advanced Initiative Company. This collaboration will facilitate the local distribution of Take-Two’s major franchises, including GTA V, WWE 2K, NBA 2K, and Red Dead Redemption, enhancing the region’s appeal as a viable market for international publishers. GTA V will now be available across all platforms as part of this initiative.
The timing of this approval is particularly noteworthy as anticipation builds for the release of Grand Theft Auto 6, scheduled for May 9, 2026. With the 21+ framework now in place, the game is expected to launch in Saudi Arabia and the UAE without the lengthy delays or regulatory hurdles that previously hindered GTA V. However, cultural sensitivities will remain paramount, necessitating careful localization and marketing strategies to avoid potential backlash.
For gamers in the region, this approval represents a long-awaited victory. After years of navigating workarounds and unofficial imports, players in Saudi Arabia and the UAE can finally access one of gaming’s most iconic titles. As of May 2025, GTA V has sold over 215 million copies worldwide, and this new entry into two significant markets could propel the game closer to the remarkable 250-million milestone. With its successor on the horizon, the region is now well-positioned to be included in Rockstar’s global launch plans from the outset, provided GTA 6 adheres to local censorship laws.
