In and effort to further widen its Xbox 360 user base, Microsoft just announced that it will be finally launching the console in the Middle East. The first country in that area to get it will be the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and this will be on April 26. Next will be Saudi Arabia, to be followed by other countries in the region.

Furthermore, Microsoft has authorized Dubai-based Pluto Derinton Games to officially distribute the console and related products, including video game titles, in the UAE. The estimated retail price of the console is 1,799 UAE Dirhams, which is roughly about US$ 490. Microsoft Middle East Head of Entertainment and Devices Division Armagan Demir commented,

Demir also added that the whole of Middle East will have access to the console within seven months. Despite these great developments, Xbox Live will not be available for them at the moment. Also, those who want to have WiFi access can just buy external accessory.

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  • 0
    Sakura Apr 14, 07
    I hope it goes well for them and they get some good games (things seem to be really censored there, like Fulla instead of Barbie =D). Hopefully they'll get the Wii eventually! ^-^
  • 0
    Gary Apr 14, 07
    Can't be a bad thing making it more accesible, I have a friend who lives out there who wanted to pick one up(UAE). He'll be glad to hear this.
  • 0
    Mishtram Apr 14, 07
    Expanding their market indeed. I knew that they hadn't had plans to extend there a while back, so definitely a big development. I'm not sure how much people get paid over there, so if anyone could fill me in on that, it would be great.
  • 0
    Kokoro* Apr 14, 07
    Wow, over a year later than us.
  • 0
    dmf_dynasty Apr 14, 07
    Hopefully they'll get all of their violence out in war video games. We always new Halo could solve wars. Too bad it's not going to somewhere the US is actually fighting.

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