Out of the blue, GTA V is finally approved for release in Saudi Arabia — and it’s coming soon

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A timeframe that many gamers in Saudi Arabia likely considered unattainable, is now almost within reach.

Previously, Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) hadn’t received an official rating or been permitted for sale in Saudi Arabia because of its game content. However, indicative of shifting times, this has now altered, with GTA V set to become available on July 17.

As a tech enthusiast, I just got some exciting news straight from the General Authority of Media Regulation in Saudi Arabia, and it’s courtesy of RockstarINTEL!

Roughly translated, the post above reads:

Experience the thrill of the well-known games, Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online, which are recommended for those aged 21 and above. These games will officially be available in Saudi markets on July 17, 2025. Make sure the game is appropriate for your age group. #GameRating under the supervision of General Authority for Media Regulation.

A 21+ rating denotes the maximum age restriction possible, a fact not unexpected given that Grand Theft Auto has consistently been a mature game intended for grown-ups.

One member of the video game division at the Saudi Arabian Media Regulation Authority expressed their joy on X platform over what was previously considered quite challenging.

Moreover, the official PlayStation social media platform for the Middle East has announced that Grand Theft Auto V has received a rating for distribution within the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The game is set to be released simultaneously on the same day.

There’s uncertainty about whether the game might undergo any censorship. At a minimum, it appears that the Casino from GTA Online could potentially be excluded.

In a nutshell, my focus isn’t on debating Saudi Arabia’s regulations; they exist as they do, regardless of western opinions. However, it’s indisputable that Saudi Arabia has been gradually embracing Western-style entertainment lately.

Every year, F1 holds a race at this location, WWE signs large deals to stage live events here, and boxing matches of significant size often take place as well. Moreover, you might frequently witness the Esports World Cup, a significant professional gaming event showcasing elite players from various games such as Call of Duty, Valorant, PUBG, and Counter Strike 2.

It was unimaginable, just a short while back, for events such as Grand Theft Auto V going on sale to occur. Yet, it’s the people, the gaming enthusiasts, who ultimately reap the benefits.

Additionally, this hints at an optimistic perspective for the area regarding GTA 6. However, whether the area will simultaneously launch it globally remains uncertain. Yet, given that its precursor has been officially approved, the indications are more promising than ever before.

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2025-07-04 16:39