Roblox has revealed that it will be establishing a new regional headquarters in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, with the purpose of bolstering its creator ecosystem across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The announcement, which was highlighted by Pocket Gamer, notes that the venture is being backed by several key 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 the MENA region and Turkey, explained that the decision to locate the regional hub in Riyadh signals a deep, long‑term commitment to the Kingdom’s digital‑economy agenda, particularly the objectives set out in Vision 2030. “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 company intends to build on existing collaborations in education, creator development, and the broader gaming ecosystem to help Saudi Arabia become a world‑class gaming hub. The new office will serve as a central point for a range of initiatives aimed at nurturing local talent, providing technical training, and fostering partnerships between Saudi developers and the global Roblox community.
By offering workshops, mentorship programs, and access to Roblox’s development tools, the company hopes to lower the barriers that traditionally prevent aspiring game makers from entering the industry. This aligns with the broader strategic goal of diversifying Saudi Arabia’s economy away from oil dependence and positioning the nation as a leader in digital entertainment and interactive media. Earlier in the year, Roblox entered into a strategic partnership with Savvy Games Group, a Saudi‑based gaming conglomerate, to bring Roblox’s creation platform and developer support services to the region.
Dave Baszucki, Roblox’s chief executive officer, described the collaboration as a way 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 would help realize the vision for creators across Saudi Arabia and complement the rapid expansion of the Kingdom’s creator ecosystem under Vision 2030. Baszucki also highlighted the importance of investing in high‑quality educational opportunities for the next generation of Saudis. “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,” he said.
This sentiment underscores Roblox’s broader mission to blend entertainment with learning, offering a platform where users can both play and develop valuable coding, design, and entrepreneurial skills. Roblox’s expanded footprint in Saudi Arabia dovetails with the ambitious targets set out in Vision 2030, a comprehensive plan that seeks to diversify the nation’s economic base, foster innovation, and enhance its global reputation. Among the specific goals related to the gaming sector are the creation of 250 video‑game and esports companies and the generation of approximately 39,000 new jobs by the year 2030.
By establishing a physical presence in Riyadh, Roblox aims to be a catalyst for achieving these milestones, providing both the infrastructure and expertise needed to nurture home‑grown studios and attract international investment. Beyond the immediate economic impact, the Riyadh headquarters is expected to serve as a cultural bridge, connecting Saudi creators with a worldwide audience. Roblox’s platform already hosts millions of active users from dozens of countries, and the new hub will enable Saudi developers to showcase their work on a global stage, encouraging cross‑cultural exchange and collaboration.
This aligns with the Kingdom’s broader soft‑power objectives, which include promoting Saudi culture and innovation through digital channels. In practical terms, the headquarters will house a team of product managers, community specialists, and technical support staff who will work directly with local creators, schools, and universities. The office will also coordinate events such as hackathons, game‑jam competitions, and educational seminars designed to spark interest in game design and interactive storytelling among young Saudis.
By integrating these activities with existing educational curricula, Roblox hopes to embed digital creation skills into the fabric of the Kingdom’s education system. The partnership with Savvy Games Group also opens the door for joint investment in infrastructure, such as data centers and cloud services, which are essential for delivering a seamless, low‑latency gaming experience. These technical upgrades will not only benefit Roblox users but also lay the groundwork for a broader digital ecosystem that can support other tech‑driven industries in the region. Overall, Roblox’s decision to set up a regional headquarters in Riyadh represents a strategic move that aligns corporate growth objectives with Saudi Arabia’s national development agenda.
By providing tools, training, and a supportive community, Roblox aims to empower a new generation of creators, stimulate job creation, and contribute to the Kingdom’s vision of becoming a diversified, knowledge‑based economy. The initiative underscores the belief that interactive entertainment can be a powerful engine for economic diversification, cultural exchange, and educational advancement in the years to come.