GTA V finally launched after release in Saudi Arabia and UAE after 12 years: Is the game censor done? , world News

The release of GTA V was made possible by a newly introduced 21+ age rating, which was higher than the global standard 18+

A long -awaited release: GTA V is officially available in Gulf

After about 12 years since its global start in 2013, Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) and GTA Online finally launched July 17, 2025 in Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE). The launch comes with a newly implemented 21+ age rating, a regulator milestone that has enabled the full, without sensor version of the game released in the Gulf. The official release is both in Playstation 5, Xbox, and PC, digital and physical forms. Despite its controversial content, GTA V now enjoys legal status in both countries after years of being available only through imported discs or foreign digital accounts.The official announcement was made through Playstation Arabia’s X (East Twitter) account, inviting the players to “experience final entertainment”, which marks a historical moment for Gulf-based fans, which has waited over a decade for legal release.

Why a delay of 12 years? Strict rules and local laws

Although officially “restricted” ever, GTA V was blocked due to strict media rules around mature materials effectively in Saudi Arabia and UAE. The main obstacles for release include:

Even titles like GTA trilogy and Red Dead Redemption 2 only received approval after their international release, underlining the slow, case-by-case investigation applied to mature games.

A new 21+ age rating and strategic partnership

The bend in the approval of GTA V came up with the introduction of a new 21+ age rating, a global first that exceeds the standard 18+ ratings found in most other countries. This classification allows the release of unadrected adult materials without the need for changes in sports mechanics or stories. Although the localized age rating was first introduced in 2016, they were insufficient to clean the GTA V under previous standards. Advanced classification was formally approved by Media Regulation (GAMR) for Saudi Arabia’s General Authority and the UAE Media Council after direct consultation with Rockstar Games and Tech-to-Interactive. The release is also associated with a new distribution agreement between Tech-Two and Advanced Initiative Company, a Saudi firm, which will now serve as the official distributor for all TWO titles in the field including GTA, NBA 2K, WWE 2K, and Red Dead Redemption. The deal not only enabled the long-awaited launch of the GTA V, but also paved the way for future release to come to the Gulf, which has historically prone to mature-rated titles.

No, the game remains untouched to a large extent. Thanks to the newly introduced 21+ age ratings, GTA V has been approved in its entire form, including violence, firearms, mature language and all illustrations of subjects, without any cut or material modifications. This higher classification was designed to allow regulatory probes to pass specifically without editing adult-theme games, and GTA v is one of the first major titles to benefit from this shift.However, a major exception remains: gambling materials. Since 2019, all casino features in GTA online have been clearly banned due to religious and legal sanctions on gambling in Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. As a result, Diamond Casino and Resort, a virtual place within the game where players can engage in betting activities are disabled in both countries. The players who try to reach the casino will face an in-game message, which states that this feature is unavailable in their area.It corresponds to the comprehensive policy in the Gulf, where gambling mechanics with other global games, such as card packs, loot boxes, or virtual betting, are often banned or adjusted for compliance. While 21+ ratings provide more flexibility for adult content, it does not override strict anti-gaming laws, which is implemented without exception.

What does it mean for GTA VI and the future of gaming in the Gulf

The approval of GTA V indicates an important cultural change of how Saudi Arabia and UAEs approach adult-oriented sports, setting up a platform for GTA VI to launch a platform potentially with their global release on 26 May 2026. This milestone aligns with Vision 2030 in Saudi Arabia, which invests as digital entertainment and comprehensive economic planning. While the main material of GTA V is not a sensor without a new 21+ age rating, future titles such as GTA VI can still face localized restrictions on specific missions or features. However, studies show that more than 90% of gamers in the MNA region are above 21 years of age, the market is clearly ready for mature-rated title on a scale.Q. GTA V officially released in Saudi Arabia and UAE? On July 17, 2025, for Playstation, Xbox and PC.Q. Has the game censored in any way?No, except for casino material, all characteristics do not remain and without sensors.Q. Why is the casino feature disabled in GTA online?Because gambling is prohibited under laws and religious norms of both countries.Q. Which age rating of the game is in the Gulf?A special 21+ age rating is used more than typical 18+.Q. Will GTA VI be launched on time in this field? Most likely, this release sets an example for smooth, timely approval.