Why was GTA V banned for 12 years in UAE and Saudi Arabia? Now rated +21 and approved for release | world News
-
GTA V AndGTA online The +21 has been officially rated and being launchedSaudi Arabia AndUAE On July 17, 2025. - This release eliminates a delay of 12 years due to strict regional material rules.
- Casino features are expected to be disabled to follow local gambling laws.
- This approval paves the way for the Middle East release of GTA VI in 2026 and indicates the increasing acceptance of gaming culture in the Gulf.
A historical moment for the Middle East Gamers
Grand Theft Auto V (GTA v), the Open-World Action Games acclaimed by the Rockstar Games, is finally being released on July 17, 2025 in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), nearly 12 years after its global start in 2013. The announcement was made through the General Authority Media Regulation (GAMR) and the official Playstation Middle East Twitter account in Saudi Arabia. Both confirmed that GTA V and GTA Online has now officially been officially rated and approved for release in the area.On Thursday, July 3, the official playstation Middle East Account announced on X (East Twitter) that the Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online have now been rated +21 in the state of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which provides final entertainment experience to fans. This decision is a sign of a significant policy change in how sports materials are regulated in the bay. The long -awaited green lights are being indicated by fans, not as a delayed celebration for GTA V, but a hopes for the time of Grand Theft Auto VI’s time on time, slate to May 26, 2026.
Why did GTA V delay in the Middle East?
Although GTA V was never Officially banned In the UAE or Saudi Arabia, its release was effectively blocked for more than a decade due to stringent media rules of the region.
Primary Causes of Delay:
- Mature topics: Sports violence, drug use, sexual content and crime portrayed with local standards.
- Material review process: The game will have to undergo a detailed investigation by regulatory bodies: eg:
- Saudi Arabia General Authority Media Regulation (GAMR)
- UAE Media Council
- Characteristics of Casino: Since 2019, gambling material in GTA online (like virtual casino) is clearly prohibited in both countries.
Despite the demand, the local stores could not legally sell the GTA V. Many players rely on imported physical copies or created foreign digital accounts to reach the game. Even the GTA trilogy received approval after more than two years of its global launch, the slow, the slow, the case-by-case process with the license title with mature material.
What is changing now?
With approval, GTA V and GTA online will now officially be officially compared to Playstation, Xbox, and PC, in both digital and physical forms, with 21+ age ratings, with 21+ age ratings, compared to 18+ or 17+ (ESRB M) ratings in most other countries.
What is involved and what is not:
- Full single-player experience
- GTA access to online
- The characteristics of casinos in GTA online are expected to remain disabled, in accordance with the regional laws that ban gambling.
- Other material adjustment, if any, has not been revealed
The rollout comes after a conversation between Rockstar Games, Tech-Two Interactive and local regulatory bodies. It is also understood that the deal includes future titles, which is an example for an example for upcoming release, which is to launch for a long time.
What does it mean for GTA VI and Middle East Gaming Market
The acceptance of GTA V is being explained by many people as a strategic change, the way the Gulf region is coming to Gaming.
- The path for GTA VI is approved: Now allowed with GTA V, it is rapidly likely that GTA VI may launch or close its global release date in the Middle East, 26 May, 2026.
- The material still look: regulatory can continue to apply localized restrictions (eg, sensoring some missions or features), but now the door is open.
- Gaming Sector Growth: This step aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which promotes investment in esport and entertainment as part of economic diversification.
- Cultural Change: Decision reflects more acceptance of gaming culture and recognition of the active gaming community of the region.
historical context
Games such as GTA IV were previously stopped in the Gulf due to violence, drugs and concerns on sexual materials. Similar sanctions have affected many AAA titles in the region. Despite this, GTA remains extremely popular, with the players often resorted to imports and digital workarounds to reach sports.
- Q. Why did GTA V delay in Saudi Arabia and UAE?
Due to mature materials such as violence, drugs and gambling, it required long approval from local regulators with strict media rules.
- Q. When will GTA V be officially available in these countries?
The official launch date for both physical and digital versions on Playstation, Xbox and PC is July 17, 2025.
- Q. Will GTA online casino facilities be accessible?
No, casinos and gambling-related materials will be disabled to follow local laws.
- Q. Does this mean that GTA VI will release on time in Middle East?
This approval suggests that GTA VI can launch its global release date on 26 May, 2026, without long delay.
- Q. Are there any material changes beyond casino restrictions?
Other material adjustments have not been revealed, but regulators may impose localized restrictions if necessary.
