
Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) and GTA Online have finally released in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on July 17, 2025, marking a significant shift in the region’s attitude towards mature gaming content. With the introduction of a 21+ age rating, the game is now officially available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, uncensored and untouched except for disabled casino features due to religious and legal constraints. This milestone paves the way for the much-anticipated GTA VI launch in 2026. The approval process, distribution deal, and implications for the gaming future in the Gulf are discussed in detail.