It does not feel good when a blockbuster substance is not released in your region. The same thing happened with fans of GTA series, when Grand Theft Auto (GTA) 5 launched in 2013 but not in Saudi Arabia. It created a sense of missing out on the thrill and adventure that players around the world were already experiencing. But now, after GTA 5 Saudi Arabia launch on July 17, 2025, users to legally buy GTA 5 and GTA online GCC countries.
Why was GTA 5 banned in Saudi Arabia in 2013?
The fifth GTA installment was not released in Saudi Arabia in 2013 because it contained explicit content. The local laws and cultural values of Gulf countries do not support the following elements which the game contained such as:
- Alcohol consumption.
- Gambling.
- Adult themes.
GTA 5 availability in Saudi Arabia
According to Hattan Tawai, a Saudi Arabian Gaming Professional, the GTA 5 release in KSA and UAE was important for the country’s gaming community. However, the game received a 21+ rating because it contains violence and strong language. Setting the age limit for release in KSA allows the game to be released without the removal of most of the content.
Tawai also said that the game was not legally available for fans in Saudi Arabia before. However, they were using foreign accounts to access the game. The release of GTA 5 in Saudi Arabia shows that Saudi Arabia is becoming more open to mature games.
Restricted parts of GTA 5 in KSA
Some parts of GTA 5 are disabled in Saudi Arabia, even after the official release. The GTA 5 in UAE and Saudi Arabia does not contain Casino in GTA online.
Consoles to play GTA 5 in KSA
GTA fans can enjoy playing the games on all major platforms like PlayStation 4 (PS 4), PlayStation 5 (PS 5), and PC. Users can digitally download the game or insert a physical disc. Here is the list of consoles that support GTA 5:
- PS 4 and PS 5
- Xbox One and Xbox Series
- Download it to play on Personal Computer (PC) from Steam (a digital game store) or official Rockstar’s website.
GTA 5 price details
GTA 5 is available in two editions, each priced differently based on the console generation. Below are the pricing details for each edition:
- For the current generation edition (PS5, Xbox series X/S), the game costs $39.99.
- For last generation editions (PS4, Xbox one), the game costs $29.99
Note: Local prices in KSA and UAE may vary depending on the currency conversion and store pricing. Therefore, users must check the price in SAR and AED before purchasing.
Optional purchases in GTA online
Fans can make some extra purchases in GTA 5 to make their gaming experience more exciting. Let us explore what users can buy:
Shark cards
Users can get shark cards to purchase things like cars, houses and clothes even without accomplishing their missions in the game. In Saudi Arabia, shark cards price ranges from SAR 19 to SAR 375, depending on the users’ need to purchase items in the game.
GTA+ membership
Users can also buy a GTA+ membership to access free vehicles, bonus cash, discounts, and early access to new updates. It costs around 30 SAR per month.
GTA 5 dominated console generations
GTA 5 is one of the most successful games across three console generations. The gaming industry cannot ignore the milestone that the GTA franchise’s fifth chapter achieved. It is one of the very few games that support multiple console generations. Rockstar’s strategy of making the game cross-generation compatible helped it to achieve long term popularity and record-breaking sales.
Moreover, Rockstar’s open-world crime game was again released in March 2025 with an improved version. Amazingly, both versions of GTA 5, old and new, were in the list of top 10 most played games. Each version had more than 100,000 users.
GTA 5 sales projection after release in KSA
According to a report, Rockstar has sold 215 million copies of GTA 5 globally. With the formal launch of GTA 5 in Saudi Arabia, sales of the adventure hit are expected to reach $84.3 million by 2029. Gaming analysts project that sales could surpass 250 million units, driven by strong demand and the game’s prolonged absence from the local markets in Saudi Arabia.
GTA 5 launch creates hype for GTA 6
The recent launch of GTA 5 in Saudi Arabia will also create hype for GTA 6, which Rockstar announced delays, to make some essential improvements. It feels like the game developer is preparing fans for something bigger. This could also be a strategic move to reignite excitement among fans and remind them of what they love about the franchise.
Wrapping up
The official launch of Grand Theft Auto 5 is a huge gain for the gaming industry and also for fans. Moreover, other than boosting global reach, official availability of GTA 5 in Middle East will also create excitement for GTA 6. For fans, it’s a great reminder of why they love the series. For the gaming world, it’s a smart move that shows perfect timing and planning.
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