Roblox has revealed its intention to set up a regional headquarters in Riyadh, a step aimed at bolstering its creator ecosystem across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The plan is being carried out with the backing of several Saudi institutions, including the Ministry of Investment, the Riyadh Creative District, and the General Authority for Media Regulation, all of which have pledged support for the venture. Mohamed El Sheikh, Roblox’s general manager for the MENA region and Turkey, explained that the decision to locate the new office in Riyadh reflects a broader, long‑term commitment to the Kingdom’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," he said.
El Sheikh added that the company intends to build on existing collaborations in education, creator development, and the wider gaming landscape, and to channel resources into programs that will help Saudi Arabia achieve its ambition of becoming a worldwide gaming hub. The announcement follows a partnership earlier this year with Savvy Games Group, a Saudi‑based entity that will bring Roblox’s development tools and support services to the region’s gaming infrastructure.
Dave Baszucki, Roblox’s chief executive officer, described the alliance as a means to "enable anyone, anywhere to become a creator by lowering the technical barriers to entry traditionally associated with game development." He emphasized that the partnership will help bring the company’s vision for creators to life across Saudi Arabia and will dovetail with the Kingdom’s own creator‑economy growth plan under Vision 2030. Roblox’s expansion into Saudi Arabia is tightly aligned with the objectives of Vision 2030, a strategic framework designed to diversify the Saudi economy away from oil dependence and to raise the nation’s profile on the global stage.
Among the many sectors targeted for development, video games and interactive entertainment have been singled out for aggressive growth. The government has set ambitious targets, aiming to nurture 250 gaming and esports firms and to generate roughly 39,000 new jobs in the sector by the end of the decade. By establishing a physical presence in Riyadh, Roblox hopes to act as a catalyst for these goals.
The new headquarters will serve as a hub for local developers, educators, and entrepreneurs, offering training workshops, mentorship programs, and access to Roblox’s proprietary creation platform. These initiatives are intended to equip Saudi youth with the technical skills and creative confidence needed to build immersive experiences, ranging from simple games to complex virtual worlds. Education is a central pillar of Roblox’s strategy. The company plans to work closely with Saudi schools, universities, and vocational institutes to integrate game‑design curricula into existing programs.
This effort aligns with the broader national push to embed digital literacy and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) education into the fabric of the Kingdom’s learning ecosystem. By providing hands‑on experience with Roblox’s user‑friendly development tools, students will be able to prototype ideas quickly, iterate based on feedback, and ultimately bring market‑ready products to life. In addition to educational outreach, Roblox intends to foster a vibrant creator community through regular events, hackathons, and competitions.
These gatherings will not only showcase local talent but also attract international attention, positioning Saudi Arabia as a destination for gaming innovation. The company also plans to collaborate with regional influencers and content creators to amplify the reach of these initiatives and to inspire a new generation of digital storytellers.
From an economic perspective, Roblox’s investment is expected to generate a multiplier effect. As more developers launch successful games on the platform, ancillary services such as marketing, analytics, and virtual asset production will experience growth, creating further employment opportunities. Moreover, the influx of high‑quality, locally produced content can help diversify the entertainment options available to Saudi audiences, reducing reliance on imported media and reinforcing cultural narratives. Roblox’s CEO reiterated the company’s belief that nurturing high‑quality, educational experiences for Saudi youth will contribute significantly to the Kingdom’s rapidly expanding digital economy.
"We firmly believe that investing in high‑quality, educational opportunities for the next generation of Saudis will contribute to the Kingdom’s rapidly growing digital economy," Baszucki said. Overall, the establishment of a Riyadh headquarters marks a strategic milestone for Roblox and underscores the firm’s confidence in the MENA region’s potential. By aligning its growth plans with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Roblox aims to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of gaming, education, and digital entrepreneurship in the Kingdom, while also positioning itself as a key partner in the region’s broader economic transformation.