Roblox has revealed its intention to set up a regional headquarters in Riyadh, a step designed to strengthen its creator program across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The plan is being backed by several Saudi institutions, including the Ministry of Investment, the Riyadh Creative District, and the General Authority of Media Regulation, which together aim to foster a thriving digital ecosystem.
Mohamed El Sheakh, Roblox’s General Manager for MENA and Turkey, explained that the decision to locate the new hub in Riyadh reflects the company’s deep‑rooted 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 the move builds on existing collaborations in education, creator development, and the broader gaming landscape, and that Roblox looks forward to funding programs that will help Saudi Arabia become a world‑class gaming hub. The announcement follows a strategic partnership earlier this year with Savvy Games Group, a joint venture that aims to bring Roblox’s development tools and support services to the Saudi gaming infrastructure. Dave Baszucki, CEO of Roblox, highlighted the partnership’s purpose: to lower the technical barriers that have traditionally made game development inaccessible to many.
“We want to enable anyone, anywhere to become a creator by reducing the entry hurdles that have historically limited game development,” Baszucki said. He noted that this collaboration will help realize the vision for creators throughout Saudi Arabia and align with the rapid expansion of the Kingdom’s creator ecosystem under Vision 2030.
Roblox’s expansion is more than a corporate relocation; it is part of a broader push to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy and improve its global standing. Vision 2030 sets ambitious targets for the country’s digital sector, including the creation of 250 video‑game and esports companies and the generation of roughly 39,000 new jobs by the end of the decade.
By establishing a physical presence in Riyadh, Roblox aims to contribute directly to these goals, offering training, mentorship, and platform access to local talent. The new headquarters will serve as a hub for a range of activities. First, it will host educational initiatives that teach young Saudis how to design, code, and monetize games using Roblox’s intuitive tools. These programs are intended to equip the next generation with skills that are in high demand globally, thereby enhancing employability and fostering entrepreneurship.
Second, the office will work closely with local developers to co‑create content that resonates with regional audiences, ensuring cultural relevance while also meeting international standards. In addition to education and development, Roblox plans to invest in community‑building events, such as game‑jam competitions, hackathons, and esports tournaments. These events will provide creators with platforms to showcase their work, receive feedback, and connect with potential investors or partners. By nurturing a vibrant creator ecosystem, Roblox hopes to stimulate innovation and attract further foreign investment into Saudi Arabia’s gaming sector.
Economic analysts see Roblox’s move as a signal that the Kingdom’s efforts to become a digital hub are gaining traction. The company’s substantial user base—over 200 million monthly active users worldwide—offers a ready‑made audience for Saudi‑developed games, giving local creators an unprecedented global reach. Moreover, the partnership with Savvy Games Group ensures that the necessary infrastructure, such as high‑speed internet and cloud services, is in place to support large‑scale development and distribution. Roblox’s commitment also aligns with broader educational reforms in Saudi Arabia, which aim to integrate STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) curricula into schools.
By offering hands‑on experience in game creation, Roblox can complement these reforms, providing practical applications of coding and design principles. This synergy is expected to produce a pipeline of skilled professionals who can contribute to the Kingdom’s digital transformation. The headquarters will likely employ a mix of local and international staff, creating opportunities for knowledge transfer and cross‑cultural collaboration. Roblox plans to hire experts in product management, community outreach, and technical support, as well as local talent who understand the nuances of the MENA market.
This blend of expertise will help tailor the platform’s features to regional preferences while maintaining the global standards that have made Roblox successful. Overall, Roblox’s establishment of a Riyadh headquarters represents a strategic investment that dovetails with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives. By providing tools, education, and a supportive ecosystem, the company aims to empower Saudi creators, stimulate job creation, and position the Kingdom as a leading destination for gaming innovation in the Middle East and beyond. The initiative underscores the growing importance of the gaming sector as a driver of economic diversification, cultural expression, and technological advancement in the region.