Roblox has unveiled a plan to set up a regional headquarters in Riyadh, a step designed to bolster its creator ecosystem across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The announcement, which was highlighted by Pocket Gamer, notes that the new office will receive backing from several 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 the MENA region and Turkey, explained that the decision to locate the hub in Riyadh is a clear signal of the company’s enduring commitment to Saudi Arabia. He said the move reflects 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 Roblox is building on existing collaborations in the kingdom that span education, creator development, and the broader gaming landscape.
He expressed optimism that the new headquarters will enable the firm to fund programs that align with Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a worldwide centre for gaming and interactive entertainment. The Riyadh office follows a strategic partnership announced earlier in the year with Savvy Games Group, a Saudi‑based venture that aims to bring Roblox’s development tools and support services to the local gaming infrastructure. Dave Baszucki, Roblox’s chief executive officer, 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 partnership will help realize the vision for creators throughout Saudi Arabia and dovetail with the growth of the kingdom’s creator ecosystem under Vision 2030. Roblox’s leadership believes that nurturing high‑quality, educational opportunities for the next generation of Saudi talent will be a catalyst for the country’s rapidly expanding digital economy.
By providing accessible development platforms, mentorship programmes, and community resources, Roblox hopes to empower young Saudis to build, share, and monetize their own immersive experiences. Vision 2030, the sweeping reform agenda launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, seeks to diversify the Saudi economy away from oil dependence and to position the kingdom as a hub for technology, tourism, and culture.
The gaming sector is a key pillar of this strategy. Government forecasts estimate that by 2030 the Kingdom aims to host roughly 250 video‑game and esports companies and generate around 39,000 jobs in the sector.
Roblox’s expanded footprint is intended to contribute directly to those targets by fostering homegrown development talent and attracting international studios to set up operations in the region. In practical terms, the Riyadh headquarters will serve several functions. First, it will act as a regional hub for creator education, offering workshops, bootcamps, and online courses tailored to the Arabic‑speaking market.
Second, it will coordinate partnerships with local schools, universities, and vocational institutes to integrate Roblox’s creation tools into curricula, thereby giving students hands‑on experience in coding, 3D design, and digital storytelling. Third, the office will support the growth of a vibrant community of independent developers by providing mentorship, funding opportunities, and access to Roblox’s global marketplace. Roblox also plans to collaborate with Saudi media regulators to ensure that content produced on its platform complies with cultural norms and legal standards, while still encouraging creative freedom.
This dialogue is expected to streamline the approval process for locally produced games and help creators navigate any regulatory hurdles. Beyond education and regulation, the company intends to invest in localized events and competitions. By sponsoring regional game‑jam festivals, esports tournaments, and creator showcases, Roblox aims to spotlight Saudi talent on an international stage and stimulate cross‑border collaboration with developers from other MENA countries. The strategic move is part of a broader trend of global tech firms establishing a presence in Saudi Arabia, attracted by the kingdom’s favorable investment climate, tax incentives, and ambitious digital‑economy roadmap.
For Roblox, the Riyadh base not only offers proximity to a fast‑growing user base—estimated to be in the millions across the Arab world—but also positions the company to influence the direction of the region’s emerging creator economy. In summary, Roblox’s decision to open a headquarters in Riyadh represents a multi‑faceted effort to nurture a thriving ecosystem of game creators, educators, and entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region. By aligning its resources with Vision 2030’s goals, the company hopes to accelerate the development of local talent, stimulate job creation, and cement Saudi Arabia’s status as a leading hub for digital entertainment and innovation.