GTA 5 Finally Launched in Saudi Arabia and UAE — After 12 Years and a Brand-New Age Rating

GTA 5 in Saudi Arabia and the UAE (Image Credit: Rockstar Games)

After more than a decade since its original release, Grand Theft Auto 5 is now officially available for purchase in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Yes, 12 years later, Rockstar’s blockbuster open-world game has finally hit the digital shelves in both countries — and it’s brought a unique twist with it.

To make this launch happen, both countries introduced a new 21+ age rating, something that hasn’t been seen anywhere else in the world. As reported by Niko Partners, this rating was specifically created to allow GTA 5 to release without any edits or censorship, which is a pretty big deal considering how strict content regulations are in the region. The move was approved by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Media Regulation and the UAE Media Council.

The announcement was shared via PlayStation Arabia’s official X account, confirming that GTA 5 and GTA Online are now available on PlayStation 5 as of July 17. The post highlighted the +21 rating and invited players to “experience the ultimate entertainment” in the region.

But as expected, the reaction wasn’t entirely smooth. While many celebrated the game’s arrival, some users online raised concerns. One user sarcastically asked, “If it gets rated 21, does that make it halal or what’s the deal?” Others pointed out the lack of Arabic support, saying the game being fully in English made it less appealing to local players.

For years, gamers in Saudi Arabia and the UAE have found unofficial ways to play GTA 5—whether it was through foreign digital accounts or importing physical discs. So, this release doesn’t exactly mean a whole new audience is discovering the game, but it does make it much easier to get access without jumping through hoops.

More importantly, this could pave the way for Grand Theft Auto 6, which is expected to launch on May 26, 2025. If the new age rating system holds up, it’s quite possible GTA 6 could see a day-one release in both countries—something that would’ve seemed impossible just a few years ago.

So while GTA 5’s content may still be controversial, there’s no denying this official release marks a major shift in how the region is approaching adult games. It’s been a long wait, but for fans in the Gulf, it's finally game on.