Roblox has revealed that it will set up a new regional headquarters in Riyadh, a step aimed at bolstering its creator ecosystem across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The announcement, reported by Pocket Gamer, highlights strong backing from several Saudi institutions, including the Ministry of Investment, the Riyadh Creative District, and the General Authority of Media Regulation. Mohamed El Sheakh, Roblox’s General Manager for MENA and Turkey, explained that the decision to locate the hub in Riyadh signals the company’s deep‑rooted commitment to Saudi Arabia’s digital future.
“Our decision to establish our regional headquarters in Riyadh is a reflection of Roblox's long‑term investment in Saudi Arabia and our commitment to supporting the Kingdom's digital economy objectives under Vision 2030,” El Sheakh said. He added that the new office will build on existing collaborations in education, creator development, and the broader gaming landscape, and will help drive programming that aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a world‑class gaming hub. The Riyadh office will serve as a central point for Roblox’s creator‑support initiatives, providing local developers with access to the platform’s tools, mentorship, and funding opportunities.
By situating the headquarters in the capital, Roblox hopes to forge stronger ties with Saudi educational institutions, nurture home‑grown talent, and accelerate the growth of a vibrant creator community that can produce games, experiences, and virtual events tailored to regional tastes. Earlier this year, Roblox entered into a strategic partnership with Savvy Games Group, a move that introduced the platform’s development suite and technical assistance to the Kingdom’s gaming infrastructure. Roblox CEO Dave Baszucki described the alliance as a way to democratize game creation, stating that it would "enable anyone anywhere to become a creator by lowering the technical barriers to entry traditionally associated with game development." He emphasized that the partnership would help bring the vision of a thriving creator ecosystem to life across Saudi Arabia, dovetailing with the broader objectives of Vision 2030. Vision 2030, the Saudi government’s sweeping plan to diversify the economy away from oil dependence, places a strong emphasis on digital innovation, entertainment, and youth empowerment.
Roblox’s expansion aligns directly with these goals, as the company aims to contribute to the Kingdom’s target of establishing 250 video‑game and esports enterprises and generating roughly 39,000 new jobs by the end of the decade. By offering a platform where users can both play and build immersive experiences, Roblox is positioned to become a catalyst for skill development in areas such as coding, 3D design, storytelling, and entrepreneurship. In practical terms, the Riyadh headquarters will host a range of activities: workshops for teachers to integrate Roblox Studio into curricula, hackathons that challenge young developers to create culturally resonant games, and accelerator programs that provide seed funding and mentorship to promising studios. The office will also coordinate with local media regulators to ensure that content adheres to cultural norms while still encouraging creative freedom.
Roblox’s strategy reflects a broader trend among global tech firms seeking to embed themselves within the Saudi market, attracted by the Kingdom’s youthful population—over 60% of citizens are under the age of 30—and its rapidly expanding internet penetration. By offering an accessible, user‑generated content platform, Roblox can tap into this demographic, fostering a generation of digital creators who may later transition into professional roles within the gaming and broader tech sectors.
The company also plans to invest in localized support services, including Arabic‑language documentation, regional customer service teams, and partnerships with local influencers who can champion the platform among Saudi youth. These efforts aim to lower language and cultural barriers, making it easier for aspiring creators to navigate the development pipeline from concept to launch. Beyond the immediate economic impact, Roblox’s presence is expected to have social benefits.
The platform’s emphasis on collaborative creation and safe online interaction aligns with Saudi Arabia’s objectives to provide constructive digital outlets for its young population. By encouraging creativity, problem‑solving, and community building, Roblox can help nurture a more innovative and socially connected generation.
Overall, the establishment of a Roblox headquarters in Riyadh marks a significant milestone in the company’s global expansion and underscores its belief that the MENA region holds immense potential for user‑generated content. As the platform continues to grow, it will likely play an integral role in shaping Saudi Arabia’s digital entertainment landscape, supporting Vision 2030’s ambition to transform the Kingdom into a leading hub for gaming, technology, and creative entrepreneurship.