Roblox has revealed that it will set up a new regional headquarters in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, with the explicit 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 and Türkiye markets, explained that the decision to locate the hub in Riyadh underscores 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,” he said.
El Sheakh added that Roblox is building on existing collaborations in the country that span education, creator development, and the broader gaming ecosystem. He expressed optimism that the new office will enable the company to fund programs that help Saudi Arabia evolve into a world‑class gaming hub.
The Riyadh office follows a strategic partnership announced earlier in the year with Savvy Games Group, a Saudi‑based venture that aims to integrate Roblox’s development tools and support services into the local gaming infrastructure. Dave Baszucki, Roblox’s chief executive officer, 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 the broader vision for creators throughout Saudi Arabia and would dovetail with the growth of the Kingdom’s creator ecosystem as envisioned in Vision 2030.
Roblox’s leadership believes that investing in high‑quality, educational opportunities for Saudi youth will have a multiplier effect on the nation’s rapidly expanding digital economy. By providing accessible, hands‑on learning experiences in game design, coding, and virtual world building, Roblox hopes to nurture a new generation of talent that can contribute to the country’s diversification goals. The company’s educational initiatives are expected to complement existing Saudi programs that focus on STEM education, entrepreneurship, and digital skills development.
Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s sweeping reform agenda, seeks to reduce the Kingdom’s reliance on oil revenues by fostering growth in sectors such as entertainment, tourism, and technology. Gaming is a central pillar of this strategy, with the government targeting the creation of 250 video‑game and esports companies and the generation of approximately 39,000 jobs by the end of the decade. Roblox’s expanded presence is aligned with these objectives, as the platform offers a unique blend of user‑generated content, social interaction, and monetization pathways that can stimulate local entrepreneurship. In practical terms, the Riyadh headquarters will serve several functions.
First, it will act as a regional hub for developer support, offering technical assistance, mentorship, and resources to aspiring creators throughout the MENA region. Second, it will coordinate educational outreach, partnering with schools, universities, and vocational institutes to embed Roblox‑based curricula into existing programs. Third, the office will liaise with government agencies and private‑sector partners to shape policies that encourage investment in gaming and esports infrastructure.
The partnership with Savvy Games Group also includes plans to localize Roblox’s platform, ensuring that language, cultural references, and payment systems are tailored to Saudi users. This localization effort is expected to increase user adoption and retention, creating a more vibrant community of players and creators. Moreover, the collaboration aims to launch a series of region‑specific events, competitions, and showcases that highlight local talent and foster a sense of pride in homegrown digital creations. Roblox’s entry into Saudi Arabia is part of a broader global expansion strategy that sees the company targeting emerging markets with high growth potential.
By establishing a physical presence in Riyadh, Roblox can better understand the nuances of the local market, respond swiftly to regulatory changes, and build stronger relationships with key stakeholders. This on‑the‑ground approach is anticipated to accelerate the rollout of new features, tools, and monetization options that are specifically designed for the MENA audience. Overall, the establishment of a Saudi headquarters represents a significant milestone for Roblox and for the Kingdom’s ambition to become a leading hub for digital entertainment.
The move not only signals confidence in the region’s creative talent but also reinforces the notion that gaming can be a catalyst for economic diversification, job creation, and cultural exchange. As the platform continues to grow, it is poised to play an influential role in shaping the future of interactive media in Saudi Arabia and across the broader Middle East and North Africa region.