Roblox has unveiled a plan to establish a new regional headquarters in Riyadh, a step designed to strengthen its creator ecosystem across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The announcement, which was highlighted by Pocket Gamer, notes that the project enjoys backing from several Saudi entities, 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 base the regional office in Riyadh signals the company’s deep‑seated commitment to the Kingdom’s digital‑economy ambitions outlined 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 Roblox intends to build on existing collaborations in Saudi Arabia that span education, creator development, and the broader gaming landscape, and that the new office will serve as a hub for programming that helps the country evolve into a global gaming centre. The Riyadh office follows a strategic partnership announced earlier in the year between Roblox and Savvy Games Group.
That alliance was created to bring Roblox’s development tools and support services into the Saudi gaming infrastructure, making it easier for local talent to produce content on the platform. Roblox CEO Dave Baszucki described the partnership 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 collaboration would help realize a broader vision for creators throughout Saudi Arabia and align with the rapid expansion of the Kingdom’s creator ecosystem under Vision 2030. Roblox’s expansion into Saudi Arabia is more than a simple office relocation; it represents a substantial investment in the country’s burgeoning digital sector. Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s long‑range development plan, seeks to diversify the economy away from oil dependence and to raise Saudi Arabia’s profile on the global stage.
A key pillar of this strategy is the development of a vibrant gaming and esports industry. The government has set ambitious targets, aiming to nurture 250 video‑game and esports companies 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 aims to directly support these goals. The company plans to launch a series of educational initiatives, workshops, and mentorship programs that will equip Saudi youth with the technical skills required for modern game creation.
These programs will be tailored to align with local curricula and cultural values, ensuring that participants receive training that is both globally relevant and locally resonant. In addition to education, Roblox intends to work closely with Saudi developers to co‑create content that reflects regional stories, traditions, and aesthetics. This localized approach is expected to attract a broader audience within the MENA region, fostering a sense of ownership and pride among creators and players alike. The company also anticipates that its presence will stimulate ancillary industries such as animation, sound design, and digital marketing, further amplifying the economic impact.
Roblox’s platform, which blends user‑generated content with social interaction, is uniquely positioned to serve as a launchpad for aspiring Saudi creators. By lowering the technical thresholds for game development, the platform democratizes access to creative tools, allowing individuals from diverse backgrounds to experiment, iterate, and monetize their ideas. This aligns closely with the Kingdom’s objective to nurture a knowledge‑based economy that leverages digital innovation. The partnership with Savvy Games Group also opens doors for cross‑border collaboration.
Through shared technology stacks and joint development pipelines, Saudi studios can tap into a global network of creators, while international developers gain insights into the preferences of Middle‑Eastern gamers. Such exchange is expected to enrich the overall quality of games produced on Roblox, fostering a more vibrant and competitive marketplace.
Roblox’s investment is expected to have a multiplier effect on Saudi Arabia’s broader economic diversification agenda. By creating high‑skill jobs, encouraging entrepreneurship, and fostering a culture of digital creativity, the company contributes to the Kingdom’s ambition to become a regional hub for technology and entertainment. Moreover, the initiative underscores the growing importance of the MENA region in the global gaming landscape, a trend that is being recognized by major industry players worldwide. In summary, Roblox’s decision to open a headquarters in Riyadh is a strategic move that aligns with both the company’s growth objectives and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.
Through targeted educational programs, collaborative content creation, and strong partnerships with local authorities and industry groups, Roblox aims to empower a new generation of Saudi creators, stimulate job creation, and help position the Kingdom as a leading destination for gaming and esports in the coming years.