After 12 years on the market, Grand Theft Auto 5 is officially available for purchase in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Earlier this month, it was revealed that the game would be launching in these countries after more than a decade on the market, and that day has finally arrived.
The transformative launch of a game that has long been controversial in the region has prompted localized ratings boards to drum up an all-new age requirement for the game.
21 or Bust
GTA 5 in Saudi Arabia and the UAE carries a 21 certificate, which is a rating never seen before anywhere in the world. It’s unique to Grand Theft Auto 5, and it’s fully indicative of how scandalous the game’s content is in the region.
With a post on the PlayStation Arabia page on X, the launch of GTA 5 was publicized:
عِش تجربة الترفيه الهائلة مع Grand Theft Auto V وGrand Theft Auto Online المصنفة +21 في المملكة العربية السعودية ودولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة. متوفرة في 17 يوليو على PlayStation 5.
Translated:
Experience the ultimate entertainment with Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online, rated +21 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Available on July 17 on PlayStation 5.
However, not everyone in Saudi Arabia or the UAE was happy about this news. While the game has been obtainable in these countries for years via ‘alternate means’, this marks the first native launch for the 2013 open-world title.
One user criticized the game’s content and suggested the 21 rating means nothing: ‘If it gets rated 21, does that make it halal or what’s the deal?? My dear, either force Rockstar to remove the explicit scenes and nightclubs, or save your efforts for something better.’
Another user pointed out one of the key flaws in the release, and that’s the lack of translation or localization:
What’s the point if it’s without translation? I mean, few people here know the language, and you make it English.
If you’re one of our readers from Saudi Arabia or the UAE, let me know on the Insider Gaming forum if you plan on picking up GTA 5 after all these years.
For more Insider Gaming coverage, check out the news that Sucker Punch would love to do more Infamous
Grant has been gaming for 30+ years and in the industry for 10+. You'll probably find him playing a post-apocalyptic game or an extraction shooter somewhere.
More from Grant Taylor-Hill
