Rockstar Games’ popular title Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) has now officially launched in Saudi Arabia and UAE after the delay of almost 12 years. The game which was released on July 17, 2025 marks a turning point in media regulation within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The game which was originally launched on 2013 was banned in the Gulf region due to its mature themes including drug use, sexual content and violence. However, from July 17, 2025 the game became officially available on PlayStation, Xbox and PC. The release of the game was made possible due to the 21+ age rating — a first-of-its-kind classification in the region.
Why was GTA banned in Saudi Arabia and UAE
Earlier, GTA V was effectively blocked in both countries due to its mature content, including depictions of violence, sexual themes, and drug use, which conflicted with stringent local policies. The strict media regulations prevented early approval of the game. Also, the casino and gambling features remained disabled in GTA Online due to religious and legal restrictions. Players earlier accessed the game via imported discs or foreign digital accounts.
Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) gets approval in Saudi Arabia and UAE
The approval comes with a new, localised 21+ age rating, a classification higher than the typical 18+ ratings found in most other countries. This new framework, established by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Media Regulation (GAMR) and the UAE Media Council, allows the game to be sold in its full, uncensored version, with the exception of gambling-related features in GTA Online, which remain disabled to comply with local laws.The game is uncensored with full access to missions, languages and mechanics — expect for the gambling content. Also, a new distribution deal with Saudi-based Advanced Initiative Company will handle all Take-Two Interactive titles in the region, including future releases like GTA VI, NBA 2K, and Red Dead Redemption.Analysts say the approval of GTA V signals a turning point for MENA game regulations, potentially allowing more mature titles to launch without heavy edits or delays. It also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which promotes digital entertainment and esports as part of economic diversification.