After more than a decade of global popularity, Grand Theft Auto V is finally making its way to Saudi Arabia. Starting July 17, gamers across the Kingdom will be able to legally purchase and play one of the most iconic titles in modern gaming. Alongside the main game, GTA Online will also become available for the first time in the region marking a major shift in gaming access and paving the way for smoother launches in the future.
The arrival of GTA V in the Saudi market is more than just the launch of a popular title it represents a cultural moment for the region’s growing gaming scene. For 12 years, the game remained officially unavailable in Saudi Arabia due to content concerns and regulatory barriers. Now, with those obstacles lifted, local gamers can finally explore the open-world chaos of Los Santos legally and without restrictions.
With GTA Online going live alongside the main game, Saudi players will gain access to years’ worth of multiplayer content, community events, and online heists that had previously been locked out. This opens the door to fully immersive online experiences with global players, bridging the regional gap and bringing the local audience into the broader GTA universe for the first time.
The approval of GTA V sets a clear precedent for the upcoming release of GTA VI. With Saudi Arabia now more aligned with international gaming standards, the delay that once kept major titles from launching on time in the region might be a thing of the past. Insiders now expect GTA VI to launch globally including in Saudi Arabia by May 2026, without any regional holdups.
This move reflects the Kingdom’s evolving approach toward entertainment and digital culture. As part of its broader Vision 2030 goals, Saudi Arabia continues to expand its investment in gaming and eSports. The release of GTA V isn’t just a nod to gamer demand it’s a signal that the market is maturing, and global developers are taking notice.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.