Roblox has revealed a strategic plan to open a new regional headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the explicit aim of nurturing its creator ecosystem across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This initiative is being backed by several key Saudi institutions, including the Ministry of Investment, the Riyadh Creative District, and the General Authority for Media Regulation, all of which see the partnership as a catalyst for the Kingdom’s broader digital transformation agenda. Mohamed El Sheakh, Roblox’s General Manager for MENA and Turkey, explained that the decision to locate the hub in Riyadh underscores the company’s commitment to a sustained presence in Saudi Arabia. He framed the move as a concrete expression of Roblox’s long‑term investment strategy and a direct response to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a national blueprint that seeks to diversify the economy, foster innovation, and position the country as a global leader in the digital and creative sectors.
“Establishing our regional headquarters in Riyadh reflects Roblox’s deep‑rooted commitment to Saudi Arabia and aligns with the Kingdom’s digital‑economy objectives outlined in Vision 2030,” El Sheakh said. “Building on the strong partnerships we have already cultivated in education, creator development, and the broader gaming ecosystem, we are eager to expand our programming and support the Kingdom’s ambition to become a world‑class hub for gaming and interactive experiences.” The Riyadh office will serve as a central node for a suite of initiatives designed to empower local developers, educators, and aspiring creators. These initiatives will include mentorship programs, technical workshops, and collaborations with Saudi universities to integrate Roblox’s development tools into curricula. By lowering the technical barriers traditionally associated with game development, Roblox hopes to democratize creation and enable anyone in the region to design, publish, and monetize interactive experiences.
Earlier this year, Roblox entered into a partnership with Savvy Games Group, a move that laid the groundwork for bringing Roblox’s development platform and support services to the Saudi market. The collaboration was highlighted by Roblox CEO Dave Baszucki, who emphasized that the partnership would “enable anyone, anywhere to become a creator by lowering the technical barriers to entry traditionally associated with game development.” He added that this effort would help realize the broader vision for creators across Saudi Arabia and dovetail with the Kingdom’s expanding creator ecosystem under Vision 2030. Roblox’s expansion aligns with several specific targets outlined in Vision 2030, particularly those related to the digital economy and the creative industries.
The Kingdom has set an ambitious goal to establish 250 video‑game and esports companies and generate approximately 39,000 jobs in the sector by 2030. By establishing a physical presence in Riyadh, Roblox aims to contribute directly to these targets, offering both the technical infrastructure and the educational resources needed to cultivate a vibrant local gaming industry. In addition to direct support for developers, the new headquarters will act as a bridge between Roblox’s global network and Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning talent pool. The office will host regular hackathons, game‑jam events, and showcase opportunities for local creators to present their work to an international audience.
Such events are expected to foster cross‑cultural exchange, spark innovation, and accelerate the professional growth of Saudi creators. Roblox also plans to collaborate closely with the Ministry of Investment to attract foreign investment into the Saudi gaming sector.
By showcasing successful case studies and providing a clear pathway for international studios to partner with local talent, Roblox hopes to position Saudi Arabia as an attractive destination for gaming‑related venture capital and corporate investment. Education remains a cornerstone of Roblox’s strategy. The company intends to launch a series of school‑based programs that integrate Roblox Studio—a powerful, user‑friendly game‑development environment—into classroom learning. These programs will focus on teaching coding fundamentals, digital storytelling, and entrepreneurship, thereby equipping the next generation of Saudi youth with the skills needed to thrive in a digital economy.
The impact of Roblox’s presence is expected to ripple beyond the gaming sector. By fostering a robust creator economy, the company aims to stimulate ancillary industries such as digital art, animation, sound design, and virtual event production. This holistic approach aligns with Vision 2030’s broader aim to diversify the Saudi economy away from oil dependency and develop knowledge‑based industries. Overall, Roblox’s decision to set up a regional headquarters in Riyadh represents a multifaceted commitment: it is an investment in infrastructure, education, talent development, and economic diversification.
By leveraging its global platform and expertise, Roblox seeks to empower Saudi creators, contribute to the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 goals, and help shape a thriving, inclusive digital ecosystem across the MENA region.