Roblox has revealed that it will be opening a new regional headquarters in Riyadh, a step designed to strengthen its creator ecosystem across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The announcement, which was covered by Pocket Gamer, highlights a collaborative effort that includes backing from the Saudi Ministry of Investment, the Riyadh Creative District, and the General Authority of Media Regulation.
The decision to base its MENA operations in the Saudi capital was framed by Mohamed El Sheikh, Roblox’s General Manager for the MENA and Turkey markets, as a clear sign of the company’s enduring commitment to the Kingdom. He explained that the Riyadh office is not merely a corporate outpost but a strategic investment aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a national blueprint aimed at diversifying the economy and fostering a vibrant digital sector.
"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 Sheikh said. El Sheikh added that Roblox intends to build on existing partnerships within Saudi Arabia that span education, creator development, and the broader gaming ecosystem. He emphasized that the new hub will enable the company to launch programming and initiatives that directly support Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global gaming hub.
"Building on our partnerships in Saudi Arabia across education, creator development, and the gaming ecosystem, we look forward to investing in programming that will support Saudi Arabia's goal to become a global hub for gaming," he noted. The Riyadh headquarters follows a previously announced collaboration with Savvy Games Group, a Saudi‑based entertainment company.
That partnership, revealed earlier in the year, aims to bring Roblox’s development tools and technical support to the Kingdom’s gaming infrastructure, making it easier for local talent to create and publish games on the platform. Roblox CEO Dave Baszucki described the alliance as a means of democratizing game creation, saying it would "enable anyone anywhere to become a creator by lowering the technical barriers to entry traditionally associated with game development." Baszucki also linked the partnership to Vision 2030, stating that it would help realize the broader vision for Saudi creators and align with the rapid growth of the Kingdom’s creator ecosystem. "[The partnership] will help realise that vision for creators across Saudi Arabia and align with the growth of the Kingdom's creator ecosystem under Vision 2030," he asserted. He further stressed the importance of investing in high‑quality educational opportunities for the next generation of Saudis, arguing that such investments will fuel the country’s expanding digital economy.
Roblox’s expanded footprint in Saudi Arabia dovetails with the nation’s broader economic diversification goals. Vision 2030 sets out an ambitious agenda to reduce reliance on oil revenues by nurturing sectors such as entertainment, technology, and sports.
Within this framework, the Kingdom has earmarked substantial resources for the video‑game industry, with a target of establishing 250 gaming and esports companies and generating approximately 39,000 jobs by the end of the decade. Roblox’s presence is expected to accelerate these objectives by providing a robust platform for local developers, educators, and entrepreneurs to experiment, learn, and commercialize interactive experiences. Beyond job creation, the Riyadh office will serve as a hub for training programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities aimed at upskilling Saudi youth. By integrating Roblox’s educational tools into school curricula and extracurricular activities, the company hopes to nurture a pipeline of talent equipped with both creative and technical skills.
This approach aligns with the Kingdom’s emphasis on STEM education and the development of a knowledge‑based economy. The strategic location of the headquarters also positions Roblox to collaborate more closely with regional stakeholders, including government agencies, universities, and private‑sector partners. Such collaborations could lead to joint research initiatives, co‑development of culturally resonant games, and the organization of regional esports tournaments that showcase local talent on the global stage.
In summary, Roblox’s decision to establish a regional headquarters in Riyadh represents a multifaceted commitment: it reinforces the company’s long‑term investment in Saudi Arabia, supports the nation’s Vision 2030 digital transformation agenda, and creates a fertile environment for creators, educators, and entrepreneurs across the MENA region. By lowering barriers to game development, providing educational resources, and fostering industry partnerships, Roblox aims to catalyze a vibrant, sustainable gaming ecosystem that contributes to economic diversification, job creation, and cultural expression throughout the Kingdom and beyond.