Roblox has unveiled a plan to set up a new regional headquarters in Riyadh, a step aimed at bolstering its creator ecosystem across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The announcement, which was highlighted by Pocket Gamer, underscores a collaborative effort involving several 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 region and Turkey, explained that the decision to locate the hub in Riyadh is a clear indicator of the company’s enduring commitment to the Kingdom.
“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 the new office will build on existing partnerships in Saudi Arabia that span education, creator development, and the broader gaming landscape. He expressed optimism that the headquarters will enable Roblox to fund programs that align with Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a world‑class gaming hub.
The Riyadh office follows a strategic partnership announced earlier this year with Savvy Games Group, a Saudi‑based venture that aims to bring Roblox’s development tools and support services to the region’s gaming infrastructure. Dave Baszucki, Roblox’s chief executive officer, described the collaboration as a means of democratizing game creation.
“We want to enable anyone, anywhere, to become a creator by lowering the technical barriers that have traditionally made game development inaccessible,” Baszucki explained. He noted that the partnership will help realize this vision for Saudi creators and dovetail with the Kingdom’s broader creator‑economy goals outlined in Vision 2030.
Roblox’s expansion is tightly woven into the fabric of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s sweeping plan to diversify the nation’s economy away from oil dependence and to elevate its global cultural standing. One of the pillars of Vision 2030 focuses on nurturing a vibrant digital sector, and Roblox’s presence is expected to accelerate that agenda. The company has pledged to invest heavily in educational initiatives that equip Saudi youth with the skills needed for the digital age.
“We firmly believe that investing in high‑quality, educational opportunities for the next generation of Saudis will contribute to the Kingdom’s rapidly growing digital economy,” Baszucki said. Beyond education, Roblox’s Riyadh headquarters is set to act as a catalyst for job creation and entrepreneurial activity within the gaming and esports arenas. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 includes a target of establishing 250 video‑game and esports companies by 2030, with an anticipated 39,000 new jobs in the sector.
By providing a platform where local developers can design, publish, and monetize immersive experiences, Roblox hopes to nurture a homegrown ecosystem of talent and innovation. The company plans to host workshops, hackathons, and mentorship programs that connect aspiring creators with seasoned industry professionals, thereby fostering a pipeline of skilled developers who can compete on a global stage. The partnership with Savvy Games Group also signals a broader intent to integrate Roblox’s technology into Saudi Arabia’s existing digital infrastructure. By offering a suite of tools that simplify 3D modeling, scripting, and multiplayer networking, Roblox aims to lower the entry threshold for small studios and independent creators.
This approach aligns with the Kingdom’s desire to cultivate a diversified creative economy where startups can thrive without needing massive upfront capital. In practical terms, the Riyadh office will serve several functions. First, it will act as a liaison between Roblox’s corporate headquarters and local stakeholders, ensuring that regional policies, cultural considerations, and market dynamics are reflected in product development. Second, the hub will coordinate educational outreach, partnering with schools, universities, and vocational institutes to embed game‑design curricula into existing programs.
Third, it will oversee the rollout of funding initiatives, grants, and accelerator programs designed to support promising Saudi game studios. Roblox’s commitment to the region extends beyond pure business interests. The company has a track record of using its platform for social good, ranging from virtual events that raise awareness for humanitarian causes to educational experiences that teach coding and digital literacy. In Saudi Arabia, similar initiatives could address local challenges, such as promoting STEM education among young women or providing virtual spaces for cultural exchange.
Overall, the establishment of a Roblox headquarters in Riyadh represents a strategic convergence of corporate ambition and national policy. By anchoring its operations in the heart of Saudi Arabia, Roblox positions itself to be a key player in the Kingdom’s digital transformation, while offering creators across the MENA region a powerful, accessible platform to bring their ideas to life. As the company ramps up its investment in local talent, infrastructure, and community programs, it is poised to help shape a vibrant, sustainable gaming ecosystem that aligns with the broader goals of Vision 2030 and the aspirations of a new generation of Saudi innovators.