Roblox has revealed that it will establish a new regional headquarters in Riyadh, a step designed to bolster its creator program across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The announcement, which was highlighted by Pocket Gamer, notes that the venture enjoys the backing of several key Saudi entities, 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 hub in Riyadh is a clear indicator of the company’s enduring commitment to 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." 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 align with Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global gaming hub. The Riyadh office follows a strategic partnership announced earlier this year with Savvy Games Group, a Saudi‑based gaming conglomerate.
That partnership is intended to bring Roblox’s development tools and developer‑support services to the local market, making it easier for Saudi creators to build and publish experiences on the platform. Roblox CEO Dave Baszucki described the alliance as a way to "enable anyone, anywhere to become a creator by lowering the technical barriers to entry traditionally associated with game development." He emphasized that the collaboration will help realize the vision for creators across Saudi Arabia and will dovetail with the growth of the Kingdom’s creator ecosystem under Vision 2030.
Roblox’s expansion into Saudi Arabia is tightly linked to the broader goals of Vision 2030, the kingdom’s long‑range plan to diversify its economy away from oil dependence and to raise its profile on the global stage. By investing in high‑quality, educational opportunities for the next generation of Saudi talent, Roblox hopes to contribute to the rapid expansion of the digital economy. The company believes that fostering a vibrant community of developers, designers, and players will generate new jobs, stimulate innovation, and attract further foreign investment.
In practical terms, Roblox’s presence in Riyadh is expected to bring significant financial and human‑capital resources to the region. The firm has outlined ambitious targets for the Saudi gaming sector, aiming to help establish around 250 video‑game and esports companies by 2030. If these goals are met, the industry could create roughly 39,000 new jobs, ranging from technical roles such as programmers and artists to business positions in marketing, community management, and esports event coordination.
Beyond direct job creation, the headquarters will serve as a hub for educational initiatives. Roblox plans to work with Saudi schools, universities, and vocational institutes to integrate its creation tools into curricula, offering students hands‑on experience with game design, coding, and digital storytelling. These programs are intended to equip young Saudis with marketable skills that are in high demand both within the Kingdom and internationally. The partnership with Savvy Games Group also includes a focus on infrastructure development.
By leveraging Savvy’s existing network of data centers, distribution channels, and local expertise, Roblox can ensure that its platform runs smoothly for users throughout the Middle East and North Africa. This technical foundation will support lower latency, faster load times, and a more reliable experience for creators and players alike.
Roblox’s strategic move is part of a larger wave of global tech firms setting up regional bases in Saudi Arabia, attracted by the kingdom’s favorable investment climate, tax incentives, and ambitious digital‑economy roadmap. Companies such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Epic Games have already announced significant projects in the country, underscoring the attractiveness of the market. Looking ahead, Roblox expects its Riyadh headquarters to act as a catalyst for a thriving creator ecosystem that extends beyond gaming. The platform’s social and immersive capabilities open doors for virtual events, education, and commerce, providing Saudi entrepreneurs with new avenues to monetize digital experiences.
By nurturing a diverse range of content—from casual games to sophisticated simulations—Roblox aims to position Saudi Arabia as a leading hub for innovative digital content in the MENA region. In summary, the establishment of a Roblox headquarters in Riyadh represents a multifaceted effort to support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives. It combines investment in infrastructure, education, and industry development, with the goal of creating tens of thousands of jobs, fostering a vibrant creator community, and positioning Saudi Arabia as a global player in the gaming and digital entertainment sectors.