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Time of India
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Why was GTA V banned for 12 years in UAE and Saudi Arabia? Now rated +21 and approved for release
GTA V and GTA Online will be available with a +21 rating in Saudi Arabia and the UAE starting July 17, 2025, on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, in both physical and digital formats./ Image: Rockstar TL;DR GTA V and GTA Online are officially rated +21 and launching in Saudi Arabia and UAE on July 17, 2025. The release ends a 12-year delay caused by strict regional content regulations. Casino features are expected to remain disabled to comply with local gambling laws. This approval paves the way for GTA VI's timely Middle East release in 2026 and signals growing acceptance of gaming culture in the Gulf. A Landmark Moment for Middle East Gamers Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V), the critically acclaimed open-world action game from Rockstar Games, is finally being released in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on July 17, 2025, nearly 12 years after its global debut in 2013. The announcement came via the General Authority of Media Regulation (GAMR) in Saudi Arabia and the official PlayStation Middle East Twitter account. Both confirmed that GTA V and GTA Online have now been officially rated and approved for release in the region. On Thursday, July 3, the official PlayStation Middle East account announced on X (formerly Twitter) that Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online are now rated +21 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, offering fans the ultimate entertainment experience. This decision signals a significant policy shift in how game content is regulated in the Gulf. The long-awaited green light is being hailed by fans as not just a delayed celebration for GTA V, but a hopeful sign for the timely arrival of Grand Theft Auto VI, slated for May 26, 2026. Why Was GTA V Delayed in the Middle East? Although GTA V was never officially banned in the UAE or Saudi Arabia, its release was effectively blocked for over a decade due to the region's stringent media regulations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo Primary Reasons for the Delay: Mature Themes: The game's depiction of violence, drug use, sexual content, and crime clashed with local standards. Content Review Processes: Games must undergo detailed scrutiny by regulatory bodies like: Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Media Regulation (GAMR) UAE Media Council Casino Features: Since 2019, gambling-related content in GTA Online (like the virtual casino) has been explicitly prohibited in both countries. Despite the demand, local stores could not sell GTA V legally. Many players relied on imported physical copies or created foreign digital accounts to access the game. Even the GTA Trilogy only gained approval more than two years after its global launch, highlighting the slow, case-by-case process of licensing titles with mature content. What's Changing Now? With approval secured, GTA V and GTA Online will now be officially available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, in both digital and physical formats, with a 21+ age rating, stricter than the 18+ or 17+ (ESRB's M) ratings in most other countries. What's Included and What's Not: Full single-player experience Access to GTA Online Casino features in GTA Online are expected to remain disabled, in line with regional laws prohibiting gambling. Other content adjustments, if any, have not been disclosed This rollout comes after negotiations between Rockstar Games, Take-Two Interactive, and local regulatory bodies. It's also understood that the deal includes future titles, setting a precedent for upcoming releases to launch without long delays. What This Means for GTA VI and the Middle East Gaming Market The approval of GTA V is being interpreted by many as a strategic shift in the way the Gulf region is approaching gaming. Broader Implications: Path Cleared for GTA VI: With GTA V now allowed, it's increasingly likely that GTA VI could launch on or close to its global release date in the Middle East, May 26, 2026. Content Still Under Watch: Regulators may continue to impose localized restrictions (e.g., censoring certain missions or features), but the door is now open. Gaming Sector Growth: This move aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which promotes investment in esports and entertainment as part of economic diversification. Cultural Shift: The decision reflects a greater acceptance of gaming culture and recognition of the region's active gaming community. Historical Context Games like GTA IV were previously withheld in the Gulf due to concerns over violence, drugs, and sexual content. Similar restrictions have affected many AAA titles in the region. Despite this, GTA has remained hugely popular, with players often resorting to imports and digital workarounds to access the games. FAQs: Q. Why was GTA V delayed in Saudi Arabia and the UAE? Due to mature content like violence, drugs, and gambling, it required lengthy approval from local regulators with strict media rules. Q. When will GTA V be officially available in these countries? The official launch date is July 17, 2025, for both physical and digital versions on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. Q. Will GTA Online's casino features be accessible? No, casino and gambling-related content will remain disabled to comply with local laws. Q. Does this mean GTA VI will release on time in the Middle East? This approval suggests GTA VI could launch near its global release date on May 26, 2026, without long delays. Q. Are there any content changes beyond casino restrictions? Other content adjustments have not been disclosed, but regulators may impose localized restrictions if necessary.
Mercury
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mercury
New celeb pics will have you seeing double
Don't miss out on the headlines from Celebrity Life. Followed categories will be added to My News. All eyes were on Kanye West's wife Bianca Censori when she arrived for a spa day, but it wasn't because she was once again near-naked. The 30-year-old drove herself to her beauty appointment in LA on Tuesday, looking almost nude as she embarked from her brand-new Porsche 911 Turbo 4S. Melbourne-born architect Censori put on a leggy display in a nude thong bodysuit with a plunging neckline that showed off some serious cleavage. Completing the outfit were her boots with the fur and black sunglasses. Bianca Censori made a bold fashion statement during a solo outing in Beverly Hills, wearing dramatic white furry boots. Picture: GAMR/KHROME/NEMO / BACKGRID The Aussie looked almost naked in her skin-coloured bodysuit. Picture: GAMR/KHROME/NEMO / BACKGRID With her cascading dark hair and equally dark shades, Censori closely resembled West's first wife, Kim Kardashian. The rapper was married to the reality-star-turned-beauty-mogul for seven years before their split in 2021. In late 2022, he began dating Censori and by December that year, they were married. The star drove herself to her spa appointment in her brand new Porsche 911 Turbo 4S. Picture: SPOT / BACKGRID This isn't the first time Censori has sparked comparisons to Kanye's former wife. Kardashian, 44, was called out for trying to look like her ex's new wife back in February when she rocked a nude leotard with a pair of fairy wings for her Skims shapewear campaign. Censori's latest outfit resembles Kim Kardashian's aesthetic. Picture: Skims Kanye West's first wife is also known for her long dark hair. Picture: SPLASH / BACKGRID In December, Kardashian was also compared to the Aussie model and architect when she posed in a teeny string bikini and plunging top on Instagram. 'Bianca has multiplied,' one person commented on the photo at the time, while another wrote, 'Kimca Censori.' Kardashian has also been called out for looking like Censori in this Skims ad from February. Censori is known to wear her hair slicked back, like she did at the Grammys this year. Picture:Now, it appears Censori has taken inspiration from Kardashian with her latest look as the voluminous hair resembles KK in her Kanye West era. But it appears the Aussie is following in Kardashian's footsteps in more ways than one. This solo outing comes after it was revealed earlier this month that Censori has started her own business empire. According to The US Sun, at the start of June she set up her first US company called Bianca Censori Inc. It was registered last month with the state of California and she is listed as CEO and secretary. It's believed her business will be in the beauty realm, given the chief financial officer is listed as Hussein Lalani, who specialises in selling cosmetic treatments. Lalani founded the skin care brand Zensa, which sells beauty procedures such as a DIY Brazilian wax kit and microblading. Originally published as Bianca Censori is the spitting image of Kim Kardashian in latest near-naked outfit
Herald Sun
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Herald Sun
New celeb pics will have you seeing double
All eyes were on Kanye West's wife Bianca Censori when she arrived for a spa day, but it wasn't because she was once again near-naked. The 30-year-old drove herself to her beauty appointment in LA on Tuesday, looking almost nude as she embarked from her brand-new Porsche 911 Turbo 4S. Melbourne-born architect Censori put on a leggy display in a nude thong bodysuit with a plunging neckline that showed off some serious cleavage. Completing the outfit were her boots with the fur and black sunglasses. Bianca Censori made a bold fashion statement during a solo outing in Beverly Hills, wearing dramatic white furry boots. Picture: GAMR/KHROME/NEMO / BACKGRID The Aussie looked almost naked in her skin-coloured bodysuit. Picture: GAMR/KHROME/NEMO / BACKGRID With her cascading dark hair and equally dark shades, Censori closely resembled West's first wife, Kim Kardashian. The rapper was married to the reality-star-turned-beauty-mogul for seven years before their split in 2021. In late 2022, he began dating Censori and by December that year, they were married. The star drove herself to her spa appointment in her brand new Porsche 911 Turbo 4S. Picture: SPOT / BACKGRID This isn't the first time Censori has sparked comparisons to Kanye's former wife. Kardashian, 44, was called out for trying to look like her ex's new wife back in February when she rocked a nude leotard with a pair of fairy wings for her Skims shapewear campaign. Censori's latest outfit resembles Kim Kardashian's aesthetic. Picture: Skims Kanye West's first wife is also known for her long dark hair. Picture: SPLASH / BACKGRID In December, Kardashian was also compared to the Aussie model and architect when she posed in a teeny string bikini and plunging top on Instagram. 'Bianca has multiplied,' one person commented on the photo at the time, while another wrote, 'Kimca Censori.' Kardashian has also been called out for looking like Censori in this Skims ad from February. Censori is known to wear her hair slicked back, like she did at the Grammys this year. Picture:Now, it appears Censori has taken inspiration from Kardashian with her latest look as the voluminous hair resembles KK in her Kanye West era. But it appears the Aussie is following in Kardashian's footsteps in more ways than one. This solo outing comes after it was revealed earlier this month that Censori has started her own business empire. According to The US Sun, at the start of June she set up her first US company called Bianca Censori Inc. It was registered last month with the state of California and she is listed as CEO and secretary. It's believed her business will be in the beauty realm, given the chief financial officer is listed as Hussein Lalani, who specialises in selling cosmetic treatments. Lalani founded the skin care brand Zensa, which sells beauty procedures such as a DIY Brazilian wax kit and microblading. Originally published as Bianca Censori is the spitting image of Kim Kardashian in latest near-naked outfit
Leaders
01-05-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Media Regulator Showcases Sector Developments, Investment Potential
At the Digital Communication Conference hosted by the Faculty of Communication and Media at King Abdulaziz University, the General Authority of Media Regulation (GAMR) spotlighted key transformations in the media landscape and emerging investment opportunities, reaffirming its commitment to advancing the sector. The conference fostered meaningful collaboration, bringing together students, faculty members, industry experts, and media professionals. Dr. Mohammed Al-Masoudi, General Supervisor of Communication and Marketing at GAMR, noted that the Authority's participation underscored the current state of the Saudi media sector, highlighting significant positive changes backed by data and measurable outcomes. He further emphasized that the conference stands as a leading platform—both nationally and globally—in the field of digital communication, directly contributing to the evolution of the media ecosystem through its rich program of workshops and specialized scientific sessions. Related Topics: SBA Explores AI Collaboration with SCAI to Advance Media Production Gaza Trilateral Summit: France, Egypt, Jordan Call for Immediate Return to Ceasefire Diriyah Unveils Revolutionary Media & Innovation Hub at MIPIM 2025 Saudi Media Forum Launches SMF Connect: Bridging Cultures, Empowering Media Talent Short link : Post Views: 21 Related Stories
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gaming ETFs Outperform as GameStop Enters Bitcoin Arena
GameStop Corp. (GME) shares surged 15.4% after announcing its board unanimously approved adding Bitcoin as a treasury reserve asset, according to a Tuesday company release. GameStop's Bitcoin strategy presents a new angle on the sector, as funds holding the company now might offer indirect cryptocurrency exposure while outperforming both broader markets and dedicated crypto funds. The stock has climbed 17.8% over the past month despite being down 5.4% year to date, with the rally likely fueled by its new Bitcoin initiative. The gaming retailer's move has positive implications for ETFs holding GME shares. The VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO) maintains a 5.2% allocation to GameStop and has gained 10.9% year to date, while the Amplify Video Game Tech ETF (GAMR) holds a 3.5% position in GME and has returned 8.9% this year, according to data. ESPO tracks a market-cap-weighted index of global firms involved in video gaming and eSports, requiring components to generate at least half their revenue from relevant industries. GAMR follows the 20 largest companies from the global video gaming industry across the value chain. Both gaming ETFs have beaten the broader market, as the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) has fallen 1.5% during the same period, highlighting the resilience of gaming investments during recent market volatility. GameStop follows the path pioneered by Strategy Inc. (MSTR), formerly MicroStrategy, which has accumulated Bitcoin aggressively. Strategy recently purchased 6,911 BTC between March 17 and March 23 for approximately $584.1 million in cash, bringing its total holdings to 506,137 Bitcoin worth roughly $43.9 billion at current prices, according to a Monday regulatory filing. While Strategy has made headlines with its Bitcoin treasury strategy, ETFs tracking the company have underperformed gaming funds. The Bitwise Crypto Industry Innovators ETF (BITQ), which has a 21.4% allocation to Strategy, has declined 14.7% year to date, according to data. BITQ is passively managed to track a modified market-cap-weighted index of 30 global companies supporting a crypto-asset-enabled decentralized economy but does not directly hold cryptocurrencies. This performance gap highlights how gaming ETFs have delivered stronger returns than both broad market indexes and crypto-focused funds during a period marked by interest rate uncertainty and tariff concerns. Source: | © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved Sign in to access your portfolio
