Roblox has disclosed that it will establish a new regional headquarters in Riyadh, a step designed to strengthen its creator ecosystem across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The announcement, reported by Pocket Gamer, highlights that the venture is being backed by several key 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 regional hub in Riyadh underscores the company’s commitment to a sustained partnership with Saudi Arabia.
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." This sentiment signals a strategic alignment with the Kingdom’s broader economic diversification plan, which seeks to shift the national revenue base away from oil and toward technology‑driven sectors. El Sheakh added that the new office will build on existing collaborations in education, creator development, and the broader gaming landscape.
"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 said. The statement points to a suite of initiatives that could include training workshops, mentorship programs for aspiring developers, and joint ventures with local studios.
The Riyadh headquarters follows a previously announced partnership with Savvy Games Group, which was revealed earlier this year. That alliance introduced Roblox’s development tools and support services to the Kingdom’s gaming infrastructure, making it easier for local talent to create and publish interactive experiences on the platform. Roblox CEO Dave Baszucki described the collaboration as a means to "enable anyone, anywhere to become a creator by lowering the technical barriers to entry traditionally associated with game development." In his view, the partnership helps to democratize game creation, allowing a broader cross‑section of Saudi citizens to participate in the digital economy.
Baszucki further noted that the collaboration aligns with the vision of expanding the creator ecosystem throughout Saudi Arabia. "[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 emphasized that investing in high‑quality, educational opportunities for the next generation of Saudis is essential for nurturing a skilled workforce that can drive the country's rapidly expanding digital sector. Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s flagship development program, aims to diversify the national economy, boost private sector participation, and enhance the country's global reputation as a hub for innovation.
Roblox’s expanded presence dovetails with these objectives by contributing to the creation of a vibrant gaming and esports industry. The company's roadmap includes ambitious targets such as fostering the establishment of 250 video‑game and esports companies and generating approximately 39,000 new jobs by the year 2030. These figures illustrate the scale of investment that Roblox intends to bring to the region. Beyond job creation, the new headquarters is expected to serve as a catalyst for educational initiatives.
Roblox plans to collaborate with Saudi schools, universities, and vocational institutes to integrate its platform into curricula focused on coding, digital design, and interactive storytelling. By offering hands‑on experience with a globally recognized development environment, students can acquire marketable skills that are directly applicable to the burgeoning local tech sector. The strategic location in Riyadh also positions Roblox to tap into the broader Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) market, where demand for immersive digital experiences is on the rise.
The Kingdom’s young, tech‑savvy population, combined with increasing internet penetration and high smartphone adoption rates, creates a fertile environment for user‑generated content platforms. Roblox’s model—where creators earn revenue through virtual item sales, game passes, and sponsorships—offers a viable economic pathway for individuals and small studios alike.
In addition to supporting creators, the Riyadh office will likely coordinate with local regulators to ensure that content complies with cultural norms and legal standards. The involvement of the General Authority of Media Regulation suggests that Roblox is committed to maintaining a safe and appropriate environment for its users, while also respecting the Kingdom’s values. Overall, the establishment of a Roblox headquarters in Saudi Arabia represents a multifaceted effort to embed the company within the Kingdom’s digital transformation agenda. By providing tools, education, and investment, Roblox aims to empower a new generation of Saudi creators, stimulate job growth, and contribute to the diversification goals set out in Vision 2030.
The initiative underscores the growing importance of the MENA region in the global gaming landscape and signals a long‑term partnership that could reshape how digital entertainment is produced and consumed across the Middle East.