GTA 5 Finally Arrives in Saudi Arabia and UAE as Fans Wait for GTA 6

It has taken over a decade, GTA 5 and GTA Online have finally made their way to Saudi Arabia and UAE. While the rest of the world has been playing the game since its 2013 launch, gamers in these two countries were left waiting due to strict content regulations. Now, just months before the much-anticipated GTA 6 release, players in these regions can finally buy and enjoy the game legally. Population of about 44 million, Saudi Arabia and the UAE now represent a huge market for Rockstar in time for GTA 6.

GTA Online finally launch in Saudi Arabia and UAE

GTA 5’s global success has been nothing short of legendary, with over 215 million copies sold worldwide. However, the game’s mature themes—violence, drugs and adult content kept it off shelves in Saudi Arabia and the UAE for years. Local age-rating laws and content restrictions made it nearly impossible for Rockstar Games to officially sell the title. Of course, determined fans still found ways to play. Imported physical copies for PlayStation and Xbox accounts linked to other countries to download the GTA 5. But now, those days are over. The arrival of GTA 5 in Saudi Arabia and the UAE marks the end of a long wait for local players. It’s also a sign that these markets are becoming more open to global gaming trends. With GTA 6 just under a year away the timing couldn’t be better for Rockstar to build hype in the Middle East.

Both countries recently updated their video game age-rating systems, creating a new 21+ category. This change cleared the path for GTA 5’s long-overdue release. It’s a major win for gamers in the region, who can finally buy and play one of the most iconic titles in gaming history without resorting to loopholes. Rockstar’s parent company, Take-Two Interactive, has also struck a deal with Advanced Initiative Company in Saudi Arabia. This partnership ensures smoother distribution for all of Take-Two’s popular titles, including NBA 2K, WWE 2K and Red Dead Redemption, alongside GTA 5.

GTA 6 Released dated

After over a decade of rumors, leaks, and delays, GTA 6 is now set to launch on May 9, 2026. With GTA 5 now officially available, fans in Saudi Arabia and the UAE won’t miss out on what is expected to be Rockstar’s biggest game ever.

Also Read: Mafia: The Old Country – Your Next Big Open-World Adventure Before GTA 6