Roblox has revealed its intention to set up a dedicated regional headquarters in Riyadh, a step designed to strengthen its creator ecosystem across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The plan is being rolled out with the backing of several Saudi institutions, including the Ministry of Investment, the Riyadh Creative District, and the General Authority of Media Regulation, all of which are eager to nurture a vibrant digital creative community. Mohamed El Sheakh, Roblox’s General Manager for MENA and Turkey, explained that the decision to locate the new hub in Riyadh underscores the company’s deep‑rooted commitment to the Kingdom’s long‑term digital ambitions.
"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 move builds on existing collaborations in education, creator development, and the broader gaming landscape, and that Roblox plans to fund a range of programs aimed at helping Saudi Arabia become a world‑class center for gaming and interactive experiences. The announcement follows a strategic partnership earlier this year with Savvy Games Group, a Saudi‑based venture that seeks to integrate Roblox’s development tools and support services into the local gaming infrastructure.
Through this alliance, Roblox hopes to lower the technical barriers that have traditionally prevented many aspiring developers from entering the game‑creation space. Dave Baszucki, Roblox’s CEO, described the partnership as a means to "enable anyone, anywhere to become a creator by lowering the technical barriers to entry traditionally associated with game development." Both executives emphasized that the collaboration aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a sweeping reform agenda that aims to diversify the economy, foster innovation, and position the Kingdom as a global hub for technology and entertainment.
"[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 noted. He also highlighted the importance of investing in high‑quality educational initiatives for the next generation of Saudi talent, stating that such investments will fuel the rapid expansion of the country’s digital economy. Roblox’s new Riyadh headquarters is expected to serve as more than just an administrative office; it will act as a catalyst for a broader ecosystem of creators, educators, and entrepreneurs.
The company plans to launch workshops, mentorship programs, and hack‑athons that will give local developers hands‑on experience with Roblox’s suite of tools. By providing access to these resources, Roblox aims to nurture home‑grown games that can compete on a global stage, while also encouraging the development of esports teams, streaming content, and ancillary services that support the gaming value chain. In line with Vision 2030’s broader economic targets, the Saudi government has set ambitious goals for the video‑games sector, aiming to establish 250 gaming and esports companies and generate approximately 39,000 jobs by 2030.
Roblox’s investment is seen as a critical piece of that puzzle, offering both the technological infrastructure and the creative expertise needed to meet those objectives. The company’s presence is also expected to stimulate related industries such as digital art, animation, and virtual‑reality experiences, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond pure game development. Beyond job creation, Roblox hopes to contribute to the Kingdom’s cultural soft power. By enabling Saudi creators to produce content that reflects local stories, traditions, and perspectives, the platform can help showcase the region’s rich heritage to a worldwide audience.
This cultural export aligns with Vision 2030’s aim to enhance the country’s global image and promote a more diversified, knowledge‑based economy. The Riyadh hub will also act as a bridge between Roblox’s global community and the MENA region’s unique market dynamics.
Local teams will work closely with schools, universities, and vocational institutes to embed game‑design curricula into existing educational frameworks, ensuring that students acquire both creative and technical skills. Additionally, partnerships with Saudi media regulators will help ensure that content adheres to regional standards while still encouraging innovation. Overall, Roblox’s decision to plant a permanent flag in Riyadh signals a long‑term strategic commitment to the Middle East’s burgeoning digital sector. By combining investment, education, and community building, the company aims to empower a new generation of Saudi creators, support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives, and position itself as a cornerstone of the region’s gaming future.