After almost 12 years of anticipation, Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) and GTA Online have finally been released in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on July 17, 2025. The launch was made possible with a newly implemented 21+ age rating, opening the doors for the complete, uncensored versions of the games. This release represents a significant shift in the region’s acceptance of mature gaming content, paving the way for the much-awaited GTA VI launch scheduled for 2026. The games are now accessible on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, and have been made available through a local distribution deal with Advanced Initiative Company in Saudi Arabia. The sole exception in the release is the absence of casino and gambling features due to religious and legal restrictions.
