Roblox has revealed its intention to set up a regional headquarters in Riyadh, a strategic step aimed at strengthening its creator ecosystem across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). 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, underscoring the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering a vibrant digital creative sector. Mohamed El Sheakh, Roblox’s General Manager for the MENA region and Turkey, explained that the decision to locate the new hub in Riyadh reflects the company’s deep‑rooted, long‑term investment strategy in Saudi Arabia. He emphasized that the headquarters will serve as a tangible expression of Roblox’s dedication to supporting Saudi Arabia’s broader digital‑economy ambitions outlined in Vision 2030.
El Sheakh highlighted that the initiative builds on existing collaborations in education, creator development, and the broader gaming ecosystem, and that Roblox intends to fund programs that align with the Kingdom’s goal of becoming a global gaming hub. The establishment of the Riyadh office follows an earlier partnership announced this year with Savvy Games Group, a Saudi‑based venture that aims to bring Roblox’s development tools and support services to the regional gaming infrastructure. Dave Baszucki, Roblox’s CEO, described the partnership as a means to democratize game creation, stating that it lowers the technical barriers that have traditionally prevented many aspiring developers from entering the market.
He noted that the collaboration will help realize a vision of widespread creator empowerment throughout Saudi Arabia and will dovetail with the rapid expansion of the Kingdom’s creator ecosystem under Vision 2030. Roblox’s expansion is part of a larger push by Saudi Arabia to diversify its economy away from oil dependence and to position the country as a leader in digital innovation.
Vision 2030 outlines ambitious targets for the gaming sector, including the creation of 250 video‑game and esports companies and the generation of roughly 39,000 jobs by the end of the decade. By establishing a physical presence in Riyadh, Roblox aims to contribute directly to these goals, offering local talent access to world‑class development tools, mentorship programs, and educational resources.
The new headquarters will serve multiple functions. First, it will act as a hub for local developers, providing them with training, workshops, and networking opportunities that can accelerate the creation of high‑quality, culturally resonant games.
Second, it will facilitate partnerships with Saudi educational institutions, integrating Roblox’s platform into curricula that teach coding, digital design, and entrepreneurship. Third, the office will coordinate with government bodies to ensure that Roblox’s initiatives align with national policies on digital transformation, youth empowerment, and economic diversification. In practical terms, Roblox plans to invest heavily in community‑building activities. These may include hackathons, creator bootcamps, and mentorship schemes that pair seasoned Roblox developers with emerging Saudi talent.
By offering these resources, Roblox hopes to nurture a pipeline of locally produced games that can compete on a global stage while reflecting regional stories and aesthetics. The company also intends to collaborate with existing Saudi gaming studios to co‑develop titles that blend international best practices with local cultural nuances.
Education is a central pillar of Roblox’s strategy in the Kingdom. The company’s platform has long been used as an educational tool, enabling students to learn coding, game design, and digital citizenship in an interactive environment. In Saudi Arabia, Roblox plans to partner with schools and universities to embed these learning experiences into formal education, thereby equipping the next generation with the skills needed for the digital economy.
This aligns with Vision 2030’s emphasis on building a knowledge‑based society and preparing Saudi youth for high‑skill jobs. Beyond education and developer support, Roblox’s presence is expected to stimulate the broader gaming ecosystem, including esports.
The company envisions hosting regional tournaments, supporting local esports teams, and creating venues for competitive play. By doing so, Roblox aims to position Saudi Arabia as a destination for both game creation and competitive gaming, attracting international attention and investment.
The partnership with Savvy Games Group also brings technical advantages. Savvy Games will help integrate Roblox’s cloud‑based services with Saudi Arabia’s digital infrastructure, ensuring low‑latency performance and compliance with local data regulations.
This technical foundation is crucial for delivering a seamless user experience to millions of players across the region. Overall, Roblox’s decision to open a headquarters in Riyadh represents a multifaceted effort to embed the company within Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation agenda. By providing tools, training, and investment, Roblox seeks to empower Saudi creators, foster economic diversification, and contribute to the Kingdom’s vision of becoming a leading hub for gaming and digital innovation. The initiative not only benefits Roblox by expanding its global footprint but also offers Saudi Arabia a powerful catalyst for job creation, skill development, and cultural expression within the rapidly growing gaming sector.