Roblox has revealed that it will establish a new regional headquarters in Riyadh, a step aimed at strengthening its creator program across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The decision comes with backing from 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 nurturing a vibrant digital ecosystem. Mohamed El Sheakh, Roblox’s General Manager for MENA and Turkey, explained that the choice of Riyadh reflects a strategic, long‑term commitment to the Saudi market and aligns with the broader objectives of Vision 2030, the kingdom’s ambitious plan to diversify its economy and expand its digital footprint. “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 new office will build on existing collaborations in education, creator development, and the wider gaming ecosystem, and will help fund programs designed to position Saudi Arabia as a global gaming hub. The announcement follows a partnership earlier this year with Savvy Games Group, a joint venture created to bring Roblox’s development tools and support services to the Saudi market. This partnership is intended to lower the technical barriers that have traditionally limited game creation, allowing a broader range of individuals to become developers. Roblox CEO Dave Baszucki highlighted the significance of this collaboration, noting that it “enables anyone, anywhere to become a creator by lowering the technical barriers to entry traditionally associated with game development.” He emphasized that the initiative will help realize the vision for creators throughout Saudi Arabia and dovetail with the growth of the kingdom’s creator ecosystem under Vision 2030.
Beyond the partnership, Roblox’s new Riyadh headquarters signals a deeper investment in the region’s talent pipeline. The company plans to work closely with local schools, universities, and vocational institutes to integrate Roblox‑based learning modules into curricula, teaching coding, 3D design, and digital storytelling. By offering workshops, mentorship programs, and hackathons, Roblox aims to cultivate a generation of Saudi creators who can contribute to both the local and global gaming markets.
Roblox also intends to support the development of indigenous games that reflect Saudi culture, heritage, and contemporary life. By providing developers with access to its robust suite of tools—including physics engines, social features, and monetization options—the company hopes to see a surge in locally produced titles that can compete on the world stage. This cultural emphasis aligns with Vision 2030’s goal of promoting Saudi identity through modern media and entertainment.
From an economic perspective, the Riyadh hub is expected to generate significant employment opportunities. The Saudi government’s Vision 2030 roadmap projects the creation of 39,000 jobs in the video‑games and esports sectors by 2030, with an ambition to host 250 gaming and esports companies. Roblox’s presence will contribute to these targets by attracting foreign investment, fostering startup ecosystems, and offering pathways for Saudi talent to enter high‑skill roles in game design, programming, marketing, and community management.
The move also dovetails with broader governmental initiatives to diversify the kingdom’s oil‑dependent economy. By encouraging growth in digital entertainment, Saudi Arabia hopes to position itself as a regional leader in technology and innovation. The collaboration with Roblox is part of a larger suite of reforms that include incentives for tech startups, the establishment of free‑zone districts, and the expansion of high‑speed internet infrastructure. In addition to direct economic benefits, Roblox’s expansion is likely to have social and educational impacts.
The platform’s emphasis on user‑generated content encourages creativity, problem‑solving, and collaborative learning—skills that are increasingly valuable in a knowledge‑based economy. By integrating these experiences into formal education, Saudi Arabia can equip its youth with competencies that align with the demands of the digital age. Roblox’s strategic focus on the MENA region reflects a recognition of the market’s rapid growth and high levels of mobile internet penetration.
According to recent industry reports, the MENA gaming market is projected to exceed $5 billion in annual revenue within the next five years, driven by a youthful population and increasing disposable income. By establishing a physical foothold in Riyadh, Roblox can better tailor its product offerings, community events, and developer support to meet regional preferences. The company’s long‑term roadmap includes plans to host regional developer conferences, esports tournaments, and creator showcases.
These events will not only provide networking opportunities for local talent but also attract international creators to explore the Saudi market. Such activities are expected to stimulate cross‑border collaborations, further integrating Saudi developers into the global gaming community. Overall, Roblox’s decision to set up a headquarters in Riyadh represents a multifaceted effort to nurture a thriving creator economy, support Vision 2030’s diversification goals, and position Saudi Arabia as a prominent player in the worldwide gaming industry. By combining investment in infrastructure, education, and cultural content, the initiative aims to create a sustainable ecosystem where Saudi creators can thrive, innovate, and contribute to the next generation of interactive experiences.