GTA 5 launches in Saudi Arabia and UAE after 12 years with strict 21+ age rating but players have mixed reactions

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.