Roblox has disclosed its intention to establish a regional headquarters in Riyadh, a step designed to bolster its creator ecosystem across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). 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.
"Our decision to set up a regional hub in Riyadh reflects Roblox's enduring commitment to Saudi Arabia and our dedication to advancing the Kingdom's digital‑economy ambitions outlined in Vision 2030," explained Mohamed El Sheakh, Roblox's General Manager for MENA and Turkey. "By leveraging our existing collaborations in Saudi Arabia—spanning education, creator development, and the broader gaming landscape—we are eager to invest in programs that will help the country evolve into a worldwide centre for gaming." The Riyadh office will serve as a focal point for a suite of initiatives aimed at nurturing local talent, providing technical resources, and fostering partnerships with schools, universities, and private‑sector players. Roblox plans to host workshops, hackathons, and mentorship schemes that teach young Saudis how to design, script, and monetize immersive experiences on its platform.
These activities are intended to align closely with Vision 2030's goal of diversifying the economy and creating high‑skill employment opportunities. Roblox's decision follows a strategic alliance announced earlier in the year with Savvy Games Group, a Saudi‑based gaming conglomerate. That partnership introduced Roblox's development tools and support services to the Kingdom's burgeoning gaming infrastructure, allowing local studios to tap into the company's robust creator‑economy model.
Dave Baszucki, Roblox's chief executive, described the collaboration as a means to "enable anyone, anywhere to become a creator by lowering the technical barriers that have traditionally made game development difficult." "[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 added. He emphasized that investing in high‑quality, educational opportunities for the next generation of Saudis is a cornerstone of the company's strategy, noting that such investments will feed directly into the Kingdom's rapidly expanding digital economy. Beyond education and tooling, Roblox intends to inject capital into the local gaming sector, supporting the launch of new studios and the expansion of existing ones.
The company aims to help Saudi Arabia reach its target of establishing 250 video‑game and esports companies by 2030, a figure that would position the nation among the region's leading gaming hubs. In parallel, Roblox expects its presence to contribute to the creation of roughly 39,000 jobs across development, design, marketing, and community management roles.
The new headquarters will also act as a bridge between Roblox's global ecosystem and regional creators, offering localized support in Arabic and facilitating cross‑border collaborations. By providing a physical base in Riyadh, the firm hopes to better understand cultural nuances, regulatory requirements, and market preferences, ensuring that its platform remains relevant and appealing to MENA users.
Industry observers see this move as part of a broader trend of Western tech firms deepening their footprints in the Gulf region, attracted by favorable investment climates, government incentives, and a youthful, digitally savvy population. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which seeks to shift the economy away from oil dependence toward knowledge‑based sectors, has created a fertile environment for such initiatives. Roblox's expanded presence is expected to dovetail with other national projects, such as the development of the Riyadh Creative District—a mixed‑use zone that will house studios, educational institutions, and entertainment venues.
The district aims to become a magnet for creative talent and a showcase for the Kingdom's cultural output. In summary, Roblox's plan to open a Riyadh headquarters signals a long‑term commitment to the Saudi market and the wider MENA region. By combining educational programs, financial investment, and localized support, the company hopes to empower a new generation of creators, stimulate job growth, and contribute meaningfully to the ambitious objectives of Vision 2030. The initiative not only underscores Roblox's confidence in the region's potential but also reflects a strategic alignment with Saudi Arabia's vision of becoming a global gaming and digital‑innovation hub.