Roblox has revealed that it will set up a new regional headquarters in Riyadh, a step designed to strengthen its creator‑focused initiatives across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The announcement, which was highlighted by Pocket Gamer, notes that the project enjoys the backing of 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 mirrors the company’s enduring commitment to Saudi Arabia and its broader ambitions for the Kingdom’s digital‑economy agenda under 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 the new office will build on existing collaborations in the Kingdom that span education, creator development, and the wider gaming ecosystem. He expressed optimism about future programming that will help Saudi Arabia achieve its goal of becoming a world‑class gaming hub. “Building on our partnerships in Saudi Arabia across education, creator development, and the gaming ecosystem, we look forward to investing in programming that will support Saudi Arabia's goal to become a global hub for gaming,” he noted.
The Riyadh headquarters follows a strategic partnership announced earlier in the year between Roblox and Savvy Games Group, a joint venture that aims to bring Roblox’s development tools and support services to the regional gaming infrastructure. The partnership is intended to lower the technical barriers that have traditionally limited game creation, thereby allowing a broader audience to become creators. Roblox CEO Dave Baszucki described the collaboration as a way to "enable anyone anywhere to become a creator by lowering the technical barriers to entry traditionally associated with game development." He emphasized that the effort aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which seeks to nurture a vibrant creator ecosystem.
"[The partnership] will help realise that vision for creators across Saudi Arabia and align with the growth of the Kingdom's creator ecosystem under Vision 2030," Baszucki said. Beyond the partnership, Roblox’s leadership underscored the importance of investing in high‑quality educational programs for Saudi youth. They argue that equipping the next generation with digital‑creation skills will not only empower individuals but also feed the rapidly expanding digital economy of the Kingdom. "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," the CEO added.
Roblox’s expanded footprint dovetails with Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to diversify the national economy away from oil dependency and boost the country’s international reputation as an innovation hub. The gaming sector, in particular, is earmarked for substantial growth, with targets that include the establishment of 250 video‑game and esports companies and the creation of roughly 39,000 jobs by the end of the decade. The new Riyadh office is expected to serve as a central node for a range of activities: from hosting developer workshops and educational seminars to facilitating partnerships with local schools, universities, and tech incubators. By providing hands‑on training and mentorship, Roblox hopes to cultivate a pipeline of homegrown talent capable of producing original content for its platform and beyond.
In practical terms, the headquarters will house teams focused on community outreach, product localization, and regulatory compliance, ensuring that Roblox’s services are tailored to the cultural and legal context of the Middle East. The presence of a physical office also signals to investors and policymakers that Roblox is serious about long‑term engagement, which may encourage further public‑private collaborations. Analysts view the move as part of a broader trend of global tech firms establishing regional bases in Saudi Arabia, attracted by the country's ambitious reforms, favorable investment climate, and growing pool of digitally savvy youth. The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 includes a specific emphasis on nurturing a knowledge‑based economy, and platforms like Roblox—known for their user‑generated content and educational potential—fit neatly into that vision.
Looking ahead, Roblox plans to roll out a series of initiatives from its Riyadh hub, including hackathons, creator‑bootcamps, and scholarship programs aimed at underrepresented groups. These efforts are designed to democratize access to game development tools, foster diversity within the creator community, and ultimately expand the variety of experiences available on the Roblox platform. In summary, Roblox’s decision to open a headquarters in Riyadh represents a strategic investment that aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives, supports the growth of the regional creator economy, and positions the company as a key player in the emerging MENA gaming landscape.
By combining financial commitment, educational outreach, and localized support, Roblox aims to help Saudi Arabia become a leading destination for digital entertainment and innovation.