GTA 5 & Online Hit Saudi Arabia, UAE as GTA 6 Nears

While anticipation builds for Grand Theft Auto VI, Rockstar Games has officially launched GTA 5 and GTA Online in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Despite its global success with 215 million copies sold since its 2013 debut, the game was unavailable in these Middle Eastern markets until now due to regulatory hurdles.

Content restrictions involving violence, sexual themes, and drug use previously prevented legal distribution—though regional gamers reportedly accessed copies through international PlayStation/Xbox accounts or physical imports according to Niko Partners research.

The breakthrough comes as both nations implement stricter 21+ age classifications, supplementing their 2016 rating system overhaul. Take-Two Interactive's strategic partnership with Saudi distributor Advanced Initiative Company facilitated this long-awaited release.

This collaboration will also handle regional distribution for other Take-Two franchises including WWE 2K, NBA 2K, and Red Dead Redemption across the 44-million-person market.

The newly accessible territory positions Saudi Arabia and the UAE as potential launch markets for GTA 6, currently slated for a May 2026 release after development delays.