A New Era for Gaming in the Middle East
Rockstar Games’ iconic titles, Grand Theft Auto V and GTA Online, have made their long-awaited debut in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. This marks a significant milestone, as these games were first released globally over 12 years ago. The approval came from the General Authority for Media Regulation in Saudi Arabia and the UAE Media Council, which assigned a new 21+ age rating to the game. This decision signals a shift in content regulation within the region, opening the door for more mature-themed games that were once deemed inappropriate for local audiences.
For many years, GTA V was not available in either country due to its graphic depictions of violence, sex, and drug use—elements that conflicted with the region’s conservative policies. Despite this, players found creative ways to access the game. According to reports, some imported physical copies, while others created foreign PlayStation or Xbox accounts to bypass restrictions. Now, gamers in Saudi Arabia and the UAE can legally purchase and play the game without resorting to such workarounds, marking a major change in how gaming content is regulated and consumed in the region.
This regulatory shift began in 2016 when Saudi Arabia transitioned from using the PEGI rating system to a localized classification model. This allowed for more flexible approvals of games like God of War and Red Dead Redemption 2, often with minor adjustments. The introduction of the 21+ rating, which is stricter than PEGI’s 18+ standard, has now enabled Rockstar to release GTA V without making significant changes to the content. This sets a precedent for other publishers looking to bring mature games to the Middle East.
Industry experts believe this move could have wide-reaching implications. According to the Niko Partners’ 2025 MENA-3 Gamer Behavior & Market Insights Report, over 90% of PC and console players in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt are above the age of 21. With the gaming market in these countries projected to grow from $2 billion in 2024 to $2.8 billion by 2029, and with the number of gamers expected to reach 84.3 million, there is a strong incentive for publishers to align their global strategies with the Middle East.
The approval also comes alongside a new partnership between Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar’s parent company, and the Saudi-based Advanced Initiative Company. This collaboration will see the local distribution of several major franchises, including GTA V, WWE 2K, NBA 2K, and Red Dead Redemption. This deal positions the Middle East as an increasingly attractive market for international game publishers.
With GTA V now available across all platforms, the region is set to benefit from the game’s continued success. As of May 2025, GTA V has sold over 215 million copies worldwide, and its expansion into two major markets could bring it closer to the 250-million milestone. Additionally, with Grand Theft Auto 6 scheduled for release on May 9, 2026, the region is likely to be included in the global launch plans, provided the game adheres to local regulations.
Cultural sensitivities remain important, and publishers must continue to approach localization and marketing with care to avoid controversy. For gamers, however, this development represents a long-awaited victory. After years of relying on unofficial imports or workarounds, players in Saudi Arabia and the UAE can now enjoy one of the most celebrated games in history. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, the region is becoming an essential part of the global gaming industry.