Roblox has disclosed that it will be establishing 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, which was highlighted by Pocket Gamer, notes that the venture is being backed by 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 MENA and Turkey, explained that the decision to locate the hub in Riyadh signals a deep, long‑term commitment to Saudi Arabia’s digital future.
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 statement underscores the alignment between Roblox’s strategic goals and the Saudi government’s broader economic diversification plan. El Sheakh added that the company intends to leverage existing partnerships within the kingdom that span education, creator development, and the wider gaming ecosystem. "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 new office will serve as a focal point for coordinating these initiatives, providing local developers with direct access to Roblox’s tools, resources, and mentorship programs. The Riyadh headquarters follows a previously announced collaboration with Savvy Games Group, a venture that was unveiled earlier in the year. That partnership aims to bring Roblox’s development platform and support services to the region’s gaming infrastructure, making it easier for aspiring creators to build and publish experiences on the Roblox platform.
Roblox CEO Dave Baszucki described the collaboration as a way to "enable anyone anywhere to become a creator by lowering the technical barriers to entry traditionally associated with game development." Baszucki emphasized that the alliance with Savvy Games Group will help realize a broader vision for Saudi creators, noting that it aligns with the Kingdom’s push to expand its creator ecosystem as part of Vision 2030. "[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 also highlighted the importance of educational initiatives, 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." Roblox’s expanded footprint in Saudi Arabia dovetails with the country's ambitious Vision 2030 agenda, which seeks to diversify the economy away from oil dependence and elevate the nation’s international standing as a technology and innovation hub. Among the many sectors targeted for growth, video games and interactive entertainment have been singled out as priority areas.
The government has set a target of establishing 250 gaming and esports companies and generating roughly 39,000 jobs in the sector by the end of the decade. By situating a regional base in Riyadh, Roblox aims to become an integral partner in achieving these objectives.
The company plans to roll out a suite of programs that will nurture local talent, provide training in game design and programming, and foster a community of creators who can produce content that resonates both regionally and globally. These initiatives are expected to stimulate job creation, encourage entrepreneurship, and contribute to the broader digital transformation agenda that Saudi Arabia is pursuing.
In practical terms, the Riyadh office will host workshops, hackathons, and mentorship sessions that bring together seasoned Roblox developers and emerging Saudi talent. It will also serve as a liaison point for regulatory compliance, ensuring that content produced on the platform adheres to local cultural standards while still encouraging creative freedom.
The collaboration with the General Authority of Media Regulation is particularly important in this regard, as it helps align Roblox’s content policies with national guidelines. Beyond education and creator support, Roblox intends to invest in infrastructure that will make it easier for Saudi developers to monetize their creations. This includes localized payment solutions, marketing support, and partnerships with regional telecom providers to improve internet accessibility for gamers and creators alike.
By lowering the entry barriers and offering a clear pathway to revenue, Roblox hopes to attract a vibrant pool of developers who can contribute to the kingdom’s goal of becoming a global gaming hub. Overall, the establishment of a Roblox headquarters in Riyadh represents a strategic convergence of corporate ambition and national policy. It reflects Roblox’s belief that the MENA region, and Saudi Arabia in particular, holds immense potential for growth in user‑generated content and interactive experiences.
As the company deepens its engagement with local stakeholders, it aims to empower a new generation of creators, stimulate economic diversification, and help position Saudi Arabia at the forefront of the global gaming industry.