GTA 5 launches in Saudi Arabia and UAE after 12 years with strict 21+ age rating but players have mixed reactions
Nillohit Bagchi | Jul 18, 2025, 13:36 IST
Highlight of the story: After more than a decade, GTA 5 has officially launched in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. But there’s a catch, the game is only available to players aged 21 and above. While some are celebrating, others are unhappy about the lack of Arabic translation and the strict age restriction.
It’s finally official. After being banned for over a decade, GTA 5 is now available for purchase in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Players have been accessing the game through unofficial means all these years, but July 17 marked its first-ever native release in the region. However, this launch comes with a unique condition: you must be at least 21 to play it.
It’s a rating never seen before anywhere else in the world for GTA 5, but authorities in Saudi Arabia and UAE seem to think the game’s mature content deserves stricter control.
The region’s ratings boards have given GTA 5 a 21+ rating, which is exclusive to these countries. This restriction reflects the game's controversial content, which includes violence, explicit scenes, and crime themes that have been sensitive topics in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
PlayStation Arabia announced the game’s availability on X, confirming it’s out on PS5 from July 17 with the +21 age certificate.
While some players in Saudi Arabia and UAE are happy to finally play GTA 5 legally, others aren’t too impressed. A few pointed out that the age rating doesn’t change the game’s content, asking whether the rating makes it “halal” now.
Another major complaint is the lack of Arabic translation. Players have questioned the point of officially launching the game if many local gamers won’t even understand the language.
Despite the excitement, the launch hasn’t satisfied everyone. Some believe the release should have come with cultural adjustments, while others are just glad it’s finally available. Either way, GTA 5 is now officially on shelves in Saudi Arabia and UAE but only for those 21 and above.
It’s a rating never seen before anywhere else in the world for GTA 5, but authorities in Saudi Arabia and UAE seem to think the game’s mature content deserves stricter control.
What is the age restriction for GTA 5 in Saudi Arabia and the UAE?
The region’s ratings boards have given GTA 5 a 21+ rating, which is exclusive to these countries. This restriction reflects the game's controversial content, which includes violence, explicit scenes, and crime themes that have been sensitive topics in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
PlayStation Arabia announced the game’s availability on X, confirming it’s out on PS5 from July 17 with the +21 age certificate.
What are players saying about GTA 5’s release in Saudi Arabia?
While some players in Saudi Arabia and UAE are happy to finally play GTA 5 legally, others aren’t too impressed. A few pointed out that the age rating doesn’t change the game’s content, asking whether the rating makes it “halal” now.
Gamers have varied opinio
Another major complaint is the lack of Arabic translation. Players have questioned the point of officially launching the game if many local gamers won’t even understand the language.
GTA 5 is now legal but still divisive
Despite the excitement, the launch hasn’t satisfied everyone. Some believe the release should have come with cultural adjustments, while others are just glad it’s finally available. Either way, GTA 5 is now officially on shelves in Saudi Arabia and UAE but only for those 21 and above.