Roblox has disclosed that it will establish a new regional headquarters in Riyadh, a step aimed at strengthening its creator programme across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The announcement, which was highlighted by Pocket Gamer, notes that the project enjoys backing from 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 MENA and Turkey, explained that the decision to locate the hub in Riyadh signals the company’s enduring commitment to the Kingdom and its broader digital‑economy strategy 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,” 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 enable Roblox to fund programmes that help Saudi Arabia achieve its ambition of becoming a worldwide gaming hub. The Riyadh office follows a strategic partnership announced earlier in the year with Savvy Games Group, a Saudi‑based entity that will help bring Roblox’s development tools and support services to the local market. Roblox chief executive Dave Baszucki described the alliance as a way to lower the technical barriers that traditionally prevent many people from creating games, stating that the partnership will allow “anyone, anywhere to become a creator.” He emphasized that this effort aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goal of nurturing a robust creator ecosystem and expanding opportunities for Saudi talent in the digital space.
Roblox’s expansion is tightly linked to Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s sweeping plan to diversify its economy away from oil dependence and raise the country’s profile on the global stage. Part of the vision includes a strong focus on the video‑games sector, with targets that call for the establishment of roughly 250 gaming and esports companies and the creation of about 39,000 jobs by the end of the decade. By setting up a dedicated regional base, Roblox intends to contribute directly to these objectives, offering both technical training and a platform for local developers to launch games that can reach an international audience. The new headquarters will serve several functions.
First, it will act as a centre for creator education, providing workshops, mentorship programmes, and resources that teach Saudi youth how to design, script, and publish experiences on the Roblox platform. Second, it will operate as a liaison point for local developers seeking investment, partnership, or distribution support from the broader Roblox ecosystem. Third, the office will coordinate with Saudi ministries and private‑sector partners to align its activities with national priorities, such as gender‑inclusive workforce development and the promotion of culturally relevant content.
In addition to direct support for creators, Roblox plans to collaborate with schools and universities to embed game‑design curricula into existing technology and arts programmes. By integrating hands‑on, project‑based learning, the company hopes to nurture a pipeline of skilled talent that can feed into the Kingdom’s growing digital‑media and entertainment industries. This educational push is consistent with the statement from Roblox’s leadership that investing in high‑quality learning opportunities for the next generation of Saudis will bolster the nation’s rapidly expanding digital economy. Beyond education, the Riyadh hub will also focus on building a vibrant community of players and developers.
Roblox intends to host regional events, hackathons, and virtual concerts that showcase locally produced games and celebrate Saudi culture. These activities are designed to increase user engagement, foster networking among creators, and attract international attention to the Kingdom’s emerging gaming scene. The partnership with Savvy Games Group also includes the rollout of localized tools that accommodate Arabic language support, culturally appropriate moderation policies, and payment solutions tailored to the Saudi market. By removing language and financial friction points, Roblox aims to make its platform more accessible to a wider audience, encouraging both creators and players to participate.
Overall, the establishment of a Roblox headquarters in Riyadh represents a strategic move that aligns corporate growth with national development goals. It underscores Roblox’s belief that empowering creators through accessible technology can drive economic diversification, create high‑skill jobs, and position Saudi Arabia as a leading player in the global gaming industry. As the company ramps up its investment, the expectation is that the region will see a surge in locally developed games, increased employment opportunities, and a stronger presence on the world stage for Saudi digital content.
Roblox’s commitment to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 is further demonstrated by its pledge to invest in infrastructure, talent development, and community initiatives that collectively aim to transform Saudi Arabia into a thriving hub for gaming, esports, and interactive entertainment. The Riyadh headquarters will be a cornerstone of that ambition, serving as both a physical and symbolic bridge between Roblox’s global platform and the vibrant, creative potential of the MENA region.