As of now, Grand Theft Auto 5 has finally been made available in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Known for its controversial nature, it was no surprise that these two Middle Eastern countries had previously banned it. However, a decade after its initial release, the situation has shifted, suggesting potential hope for future games in the series.
While the Middle East hasn’t been known as a gaming stronghold, it has started to show a willingness to embrace the gaming industry. In 2024, the International Olympic Committee announced plans for Saudi Arabia to host the inaugural Olympic eSports Games, originally scheduled for 2025 but now set for 2027. Now, with both Saudi Arabia and the UAE lifting their bans on this historic best-seller, there is a positive move towards gaming acceptance in the region.
On July 3, the General Authority of Media Regulation in Saudi Arabia announced that GTA 5 and GTA Online would be accessible from July 17. Meanwhile, the official PlayStation Arabia account confirmed the UAE would follow suit on the same day. The game received a 21+ rating in Saudi Arabia, which may be stricter compared to the ESRB’s rating for mature audiences. Despite its controversial content, lifting the ban is unexpected, especially given the infamous missions and the long-standing restrictions.
This change may indicate that the governments of Saudi Arabia and the UAE have relaxed their standards for what constitutes a ban over the past decade, or perhaps GTA 5 no longer appears as notorious as before. In any case, this is positive news for Rockstar, as the game continues to sell exceptionally well, crossing the 215 million mark in lifetime sales. With availability in these two previously restrictive regions, sales could see a new boost.
Although Grand Theft Auto 5 is now 12 years old, it offers players a means to enjoy themselves while they wait for the delayed release of GTA 6 in 2026. It remains uncertain whether the next entry in the series will also be available in these countries, but having GTA 5 as a reference point should help regulators in the future.
