GTA 6 fans marking their calendars for 17 July

If you’re a Grand Theft Auto fan, your calendar is probably marked for 26 May 2026.

Why? Well, that’s when GTA VI is set to release, of course.

Others though are setting their sights on a date that’s set to arrive a whole lot sooner.

It turns out that 17 July 2025 is also due to be a major date to look forward to.

That’s because GTA V is finally set to release in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

I suppose better late than never? Although 12 years later is really testing fans' patience.

If you’re wondering why the game didn’t launch in these territories the first time around, it’s all to do with its content.

GTA V, like every other title in the franchise, doesn’t hold back.

There’s intense violence, nudity, and gambling, just to name a few of its controversial focuses.

In both the UAE and KSA, this was deemed too inappropriate.

It appears that times have changed though.

“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,” announced PlayStation Arabia.

Of course, what we don’t know is whether the UAE and KSA have become more tolerant of mature western content or whether GTA V has been censored in any way in order to secure a rating and thus a release.

Hattan Tawili, a member of Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Media Regulation revealed that GTA V’s availability in the country is something that has been worked on for years.

“A project we've been working on for years to develop the Saudi market, and although it was delayed, it has officially come to fruition, even though it was one of the goals that seemed nearly impossible,” the tweet read.

“This step will completely transform the gaming market in Saudi Arabia. Seeing GTA with a Saudi rating was something unimaginable for any day. 03/07/2025, a day for history.”

Some UAE and KSA locals report previously being able to access disc versions of the game, although it’s not clear whether they were readily available or imported.

Either way, this will be the first time the game has been made available digitally.

The question is, will those affected have to wait 13 years for GTA VI too.