Roblox has unveiled a plan to set up a new regional headquarters in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, with the explicit aim of nurturing its creator ecosystem across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The announcement, which was highlighted by Pocket Gamer, underscores a collaborative effort that involves several key Saudi institutions, including the Ministry of Investment, the Riyadh Creative District, and the General Authority of Media Regulation. These partners will help facilitate the establishment of the office and provide regulatory and logistical support. Mohamed El Sheakh, Roblox’s General Manager for the MENA region and Turkey, explained that the decision to locate the hub in Riyadh is more than a simple geographic choice.
He said, "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." In his view, the new office will serve as a tangible sign of Roblox’s confidence in the Saudi market and its willingness to invest resources over many years. El Sheakh added that Roblox is already working closely with local partners on a range of initiatives that span education, creator development, and the broader gaming ecosystem.
He noted that the company intends to deepen these collaborations by funding programs that align with Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global hub for gaming and interactive entertainment. The emphasis will be on building talent pipelines, offering training for aspiring developers, and fostering a vibrant community of independent creators who can leverage Roblox’s tools to produce original experiences. The Riyadh headquarters follows an earlier strategic partnership announced earlier this year between Roblox and Savvy Games Group, a Saudi‑based gaming conglomerate.
That alliance was designed to bring Roblox’s development platform, creator resources, and technical support to the Kingdom’s growing gaming infrastructure. Dave Baszucki, Roblox’s Chief Executive Officer, described the partnership as a means of "enabling anyone, anywhere to become a creator by lowering the technical barriers to entry traditionally associated with game development." He emphasized that the collaboration would help realize a broader vision for creators throughout Saudi Arabia and would dovetail with the expansion of the Kingdom’s creator ecosystem under Vision 2030. Baszucki also highlighted the educational dimension of the partnership, stating, "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." By providing accessible learning tools, mentorship programs, and hands‑on development workshops, Roblox aims to empower young Saudis to acquire marketable skills in coding, 3D design, and interactive storytelling.
Roblox’s expanded presence in Saudi Arabia is closely aligned with the broader goals of Vision 2030, the kingdom’s long‑range development plan that seeks to diversify the economy away from oil dependence and raise the nation’s profile on the global stage. Among the many sectors targeted by Vision 2030, digital entertainment and video games have been singled out for aggressive growth.
The plan envisions the creation of roughly 250 video‑game and esports companies and the generation of approximately 39,000 new jobs in the sector by the year 2030. In practical terms, the Riyadh office will serve several functions. First, it will act as a liaison point between Roblox’s global product teams and local developers, ensuring that the platform’s features are adapted to regional cultural preferences and regulatory requirements. Second, the hub will coordinate educational outreach, partnering with schools, universities, and vocational institutes to embed Roblox‑based curricula into existing technology programs.
Third, it will host events such as hackathons, creator summits, and esports tournaments, providing a physical space for community building and networking. The initiative also reflects a broader trend of Western tech firms establishing a foothold in the Gulf region, attracted by favorable investment policies, a young and digitally savvy population, and government incentives aimed at fostering innovation.
By positioning itself in Riyadh, Roblox joins other gaming and technology companies that have announced regional offices or development studios in Saudi Arabia, signaling confidence in the country’s emerging market potential. Looking ahead, Roblox’s leadership anticipates that the Riyadh headquarters will accelerate the rollout of new tools tailored for Arabic‑speaking creators, including language‑localized tutorials, culturally relevant asset libraries, and support for regional payment gateways. These enhancements are expected to lower entry barriers even further, encouraging a broader cross‑section of users—from hobbyists to professional studios—to publish games and experiences on the platform.
In summary, Roblox’s decision to establish a regional headquarters in Riyadh represents a strategic investment that aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives, strengthens the company’s presence in the MENA market, and provides a catalyst for the growth of a vibrant creator economy. By combining financial commitment, educational initiatives, and partnership with local stakeholders, Roblox aims to empower a new generation of Saudi developers, expand the kingdom’s digital entertainment sector, and contribute to the diversification of its national economy.