GTA 5 & Online Launch in Saudi Arabia & UAE Ahead of GTA 6
▼ Summary
– Rockstar has released GTA 5 and GTA Online in Saudi Arabia and the UAE after nearly 12 years of being unavailable there due to local regulations.
– The game was previously banned in these countries because of its content involving violence, sex, and drug use, though some fans bypassed restrictions via imports or foreign accounts.
– GTA 5’s release was enabled by the introduction of a new 21+ age rating and a partnership between Take-Two Interactive and Saudi distributor Advanced Initiative Company.
– The Saudi-UAE market, with 44 million people, is now open for future Take-Two titles like GTA 6, expected to launch in 2026.
– GTA 6’s release is currently scheduled for May 9, 2026, following a major delay in its development.
GTA 5 and GTA Online have officially launched in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, marking a significant milestone for gamers in the region ahead of the highly anticipated GTA 6 release. After years of restrictions, players can now legally purchase the game under a new 21+ age rating, aligning with updated local regulations.
For over a decade, Saudi Arabia and the UAE had banned the sale of GTA 5 due to its mature content, including violence and adult themes. Despite this, many fans found workarounds, such as importing physical copies or accessing the game through international accounts. The recent introduction of stricter age classifications has finally allowed Rockstar’s blockbuster title to enter these markets officially.
The breakthrough comes alongside a strategic partnership between Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar’s parent company, and Saudi-based Advanced Initiative Company, which will now distribute Take-Two’s games across the region. This deal not only paves the way for GTA 5 but also sets the stage for future releases like GTA 6, expected in 2026.
With a combined population of 44 million, Saudi Arabia and the UAE represent a lucrative new market for Rockstar. The delayed arrival of GTA 5 suggests that the developer is now better positioned to navigate regional regulations, ensuring smoother launches for upcoming titles. While fans eagerly await GTA 6, this long-awaited release gives Middle Eastern players a chance to experience one of gaming’s most iconic titles legally for the first time.
The move highlights the growing influence of regional partnerships in bringing major gaming franchises to previously restricted markets. As the industry evolves, collaborations like this could become increasingly vital for global game distribution.
(Source: IGN)
