GTA 5 and GTA Online have officially launched in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, ending a nearly 12-year wait since the game’s original release date.
Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive received approval for release in the region earlier this month. The games are now available on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC platforms in both physical and digital formats, with current-generation versions priced at $39.99 and last-generation versions at $29.99.
The extended delay was primarily due to the game’s mature content, which faces stricter scrutiny in some regions. To avoid censorship, authorities assigned the game a 21+ age rating, higher than the standard 18+ rating used in most other countries.
Despite the higher age rating allowing the game to remain uncensored, certain features have been restricted. Casino gambling activities in GTA Online have been banned in the region since 2019, reflecting local regulations on gambling content.
The launch represents a significant development for gaming in the Middle East, where GTA titles have maintained popularity despite official unavailability. Many players previously imported copies or used foreign accounts to access the games.
Take-Two Interactive has partnered with Saudi-based Advanced Initiative Company to distribute the publisher’s titles in the region. This partnership covers both upcoming releases and existing catalog titles, potentially signaling a day-one release for the highly anticipated GTA 6 in the Middle East.
The approval process in the region has historically been lengthy for mature content games. The GTA Trilogy received approval in the country over two years ago, also arriving well after its initial global launch.
To celebrate the regional launch, Rockstar Games sent promotional gifts to community members and content creators, including YouTube channel Tbreak Media, which shared images of merchandise packages received from the company.
The launch follows similar releases of other major gaming titles in the region as entertainment regulations continue to evolve. Local gaming communities have long awaited official access to popular Western titles that face content restrictions.
Players in both countries can now purchase the game through official channels, including Steam for PC users and retail stores for console versions. All standard downloadable content and the GTA+ subscription service are also available for purchase.
The successful launch may pave the way for other mature-rated games to receive approval in the region, though the strict review process remains in place for content evaluation.
