Roblox has revealed that it will be opening a new regional headquarters in Riyadh, a step designed to strengthen its creator program across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The decision comes with backing from several Saudi institutions, including the Ministry of Investment, the Riyadh Creative District, and the General Authority of Media Regulation, signaling strong governmental support for the venture. Mohamed El Sheakh, Roblox’s General Manager for MENA and Turkey, explained that the choice of Riyadh as the hub reflects the company’s deep‑rooted commitment to Saudi Arabia’s digital‑economy goals 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,” he said.
El Sheakh added that the new office will build on existing collaborations in education, creator development, and the broader gaming ecosystem, and will enable Roblox to fund programs that help Saudi Arabia become a world‑class gaming hub. The announcement follows an earlier partnership with Savvy Games Group, which was unveiled earlier this year. That alliance introduced Roblox’s development tools and support services to the local gaming infrastructure, aiming to lower the technical barriers that traditionally prevent many aspiring developers from entering the market.
Roblox CEO Dave Baszucki highlighted the partnership’s purpose, stating that it "enables anyone, anywhere to become a creator by reducing the technical hurdles associated with game development." Baszucki also emphasized how the collaboration aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, noting that it will help realize the kingdom’s ambition 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," he said. He further stressed the importance of investing in high‑quality educational opportunities for the next generation of Saudi talent, believing that such investments will fuel the rapid expansion of the nation’s digital economy.
Roblox’s expanded footprint in the Kingdom dovetails with the broader objectives of Vision 2030, a strategic plan that seeks to diversify Saudi Arabia’s oil‑dependent economy and raise its profile on the global stage. Among the many sectors targeted for growth, video gaming and esports have been singled out as priority areas. The government has set ambitious targets: by 2030, it aims to have 250 gaming and esports companies operating in the country and to generate approximately 39,000 new jobs in these fields. The Riyadh headquarters will serve as a central hub for a range of initiatives.
First, it will host a dedicated creator support team that will provide technical assistance, mentorship, and resources to local developers. Second, the office will coordinate educational programs in partnership with schools, universities, and vocational institutes, introducing students to game design, coding, and digital storytelling using Roblox’s platform. Third, it will act as a liaison between Roblox and Saudi regulatory bodies, ensuring that content complies with cultural standards while still encouraging creative freedom.
In addition to direct support for creators, Roblox plans to invest in community events and competitions that showcase homegrown talent. These events are expected to attract regional participants, fostering cross‑border collaboration and exposing Saudi developers to broader market trends.
By hosting hackathons, game‑jam festivals, and esports tournaments, the Riyadh hub will create a vibrant ecosystem where ideas can be tested, refined, and brought to market. Economic analysts view Roblox’s move as part of a larger wave of foreign tech firms establishing a presence in Saudi Arabia, attracted by favorable investment policies, tax incentives, and a youthful, digitally savvy population. The country’s median age is under 30, and a large proportion of that demographic is active on online platforms, making it an ideal market for interactive experiences like those offered by Roblox.
Moreover, the government’s emphasis on digital skills training aligns with Roblox’s own educational mission, creating a natural synergy between public policy and corporate strategy. From a cultural perspective, the partnership also promises to enrich the local creative scene.
By providing a sandbox where users can build immersive worlds, Roblox empowers Saudi storytellers to share narratives that reflect their heritage, values, and contemporary experiences. This democratization of content creation could lead to a new wave of culturally resonant games that appeal both domestically and internationally, further positioning Saudi Arabia as a source of innovative digital content. Looking ahead, Roblox expects the Riyadh headquarters to become a catalyst for sustained growth in the region’s gaming sector.
The company anticipates that, through its investment in talent development, infrastructure, and community building, it will help Saudi Arabia achieve its Vision 2030 targets for the gaming industry while also expanding its own user base across the MENA market. The synergy between Roblox’s global platform and Saudi Arabia’s ambitious economic diversification plan suggests a mutually beneficial relationship that could reshape the digital entertainment landscape in the Middle East for years to come.