While the world's biggest videogaming territories (Asia, North America, Europe, Australasia) have been enjoying the Xbox 360 since late 2005, the console has only just recently been given an official release date in the Middle East. Microsoft's next-generation machine will launch in the region in just three days on April 26, and its line-up will include over sixty titles - yes, sixty!

RED, a distribution company working with Microsoft in the region, has managed to secure top gaming franchises including Call of Duty, Burnout, FIFA, Hitman, LEGO Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, Sonic The Hedgehog, Need for Speed, Quake, Tiger Woods PGA Tour, Tomb Raider, Championship Manager, and Tony Hawk's for the Xbox 360's first day on sale in the Middle East, duly cementing the accolade of 'largest single distributor' for the upcoming launch - that's one to tell the grandkids about for sure.

In Saudi Arabia (the first country in the Middle East to receive the machine), the Premium model of the Xbox 360 will cost 1,799 Emirati Dirham, which works out at approximately $490 USD - a fairly reasonable price.

Microsoft’s Middle East Head of Entertainment and Devices Division, Armagan Demir, had this to say:

"The official launch in the UAE will signify that gamers in the Middle East will not only have easy access to high-definition graphics, unparalleled online play and gripping digital entertainment features of the Xbox 360 but also the technical support, events, community and access to over 160 games that are available to gamers abroad."

Sadly, gamers in the region won't have access to Xbox Live at this point, but ironically the Wi-Fi adapter will be available for purchase come this Thursday.