GTA V to Officially Launch For the First Time in Saudi Arabia & UAE on July 17th, 2025!

After being banned for over a decade due to strict censorship laws, Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) will officially debut in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on July 17, 2025.

This is a historic moment for gamers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region who have long awaited legal access to one of the most iconic video games of all time.

A Long-Awaited Release

Since its global release in 2013, GTA V has been unavailable in Saudi Arabia and the UAE due to the countries’ stringent regulations on media content. The game’s mature themes, including violence, drug use, and explicit content, led to its prohibition under local censorship rules. 

For years, gamers in these regions resorted to importing physical copies or using VPNs to access GTA V and its multiplayer component, GTA Online. Now, thanks to negotiations between Rockstar Games and regional authorities, including Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Media Regulation and the UAE Media Council, the game will be available legally for the first time.

The release will carry a 21+ age rating, stricter than the 17+ rating applied in most other markets, reflecting the cautious approach of local regulators. GTA V and GTA Online will be available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms, both digitally and as physical copies. 

While the core game content remains largely intact, sources indicate that certain elements, such as the GTA Online casino features, may be restricted to comply with regional laws prohibiting gambling-related content.

What This Means for Gamers

The launch marks a significant step forward for the gaming community in the MENA region, where the industry has been experiencing rapid growth. Hattan Tawili, a representative from Saudi Arabia’s gaming regulatory body, described the release as “a landmark achievement for the local gaming market, made possible through years of collaboration.” 

Fans have taken to platforms like X to express their excitement, with many joking that they’re finally getting GTA V before the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI, slated for release on May 26, 2026.

This development also raises hopes that GTA VI could launch in Saudi Arabia and the UAE without significant delays, potentially aligning closer to its global release date. 

The decision to allow GTA V suggests a gradual easing of restrictions, reflecting the growing influence of gaming culture in the region and the government’s efforts to support the burgeoning esports and entertainment sectors.

Pre-Order GTA V at ZGames

If you wish to pre-order GTA V, you are at the right place. On our website, you can now place your pre-orders for GTA V and ensure that the game gets delivered right to your doorstep as soon as it releases. 

So what are you waiting for? Hurry up and place your pre-orders now!