More than a decade after it first hit the global stage, GTA V is finally making its official debut in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates on July 17, 2025.
The long-standing absence of one of the most iconic games of all time is coming to an end thanks to fresh approvals from the region’s media authorities.
Players in the Middle East who have waited for years finally have a milestone that feels both surreal and overdue. Although GTA V was originally launched in 2013, it was never cleared for sale in either country due to local regulations surrounding its mature themes.
Many gamers had to resort to unofficial methods, such as importing discs, using foreign accounts, or engaging in piracy, just to play this global gaming hit. Now, that workaround era is officially over.
What Has Changed to Make This Release Possible Now?
Both the General Authority of Media Regulation in Saudi Arabia and the UAE Media Council have signed off on the release, assigning the game a 21+ age rating.
This classification is stricter than in many countries yet signals respect for adult gamers’ access to mature content.
It also means that for the first time, players in the Gulf can legally buy and play both GTA V and GTA Online on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC without resorting to loopholes.
Is This the Same GTA V Everyone Else Got?
Yes, this version won’t be watered down either.
The game is coming out fully upgraded for current-gen, including the Expanded and Enhanced edition, with better visuals, quicker load times, and ray tracing all included.
It’s obvious how pumped gaming communities are. The local fallout might spread to more than one game. According to industry watchers, a broader distribution deal is now in place between Take-Two Interactive and a regional company called Advanced Initiative.
This agreement is said to cover every future Take-Two title, making it possible for GTA VI to launch in Saudi Arabia and the UAE alongside other regions. The delay GTA V experienced makes this change a big sign of how future international releases could happen in the region.
Why Is This Such a Big Deal for Players in the Gulf?
For many fans, this also marks a sort of redemption arc.
GTA V was everywhere on streaming platforms, YouTube, memes, and cultural talks, yet these two countries never had official access.
Now, players won’t have to modify their console region settings, hunt down overseas discs, or create workarounds to play with friends.
They can finally download it from their native storefronts and dive in just like everyone else.
Is the Game Censored in Any Way?
There might still be limits on features like GTA Online’s casino mechanics because of past regional rules, but the game will largely come out intact without content removal or edits.
That means all story missions, dialogue, and online gameplay that have kept GTA V popular for more than ten years. This marks something bigger than a regional release for Rockstar Games.
It’s a chance to tap into an entirely new audience right before GTA VI makes its long-awaited debut. After 12 years, GTA is finally coming to the Gulf and opening up new opportunities.
Stick with us here at Gfinityesports.com: the best site for GTA coverage.