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 the backing of several key Saudi entities, including the Ministry of Investment, the Riyadh Creative District, and the General Authority for Media Regulation, all of which have pledged support for the venture. Mohamed El Sheakh, Roblox’s General Manager for MENA and Turkey, explained that the establishment of a Riyadh base is a clear signal of the company’s enduring commitment to Saudi Arabia.
He said, "Our decision to locate our regional headquarters in Riyadh reflects Roblox's long‑term investment in Saudi Arabia and our dedication to helping the Kingdom achieve its digital‑economy goals 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 ecosystem. He expressed optimism that the new office will enable the company to fund programs that align with Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a worldwide hub for gaming and interactive entertainment.
The Riyadh office follows a strategic partnership announced earlier this year with Savvy Games Group, a joint venture that aims to bring Roblox’s development tools and developer‑support services to the Saudi gaming infrastructure. Dave Baszucki, Roblox’s CEO, highlighted the significance of this alliance, stating that it is intended to "enable anyone, anywhere to become a creator by lowering the technical barriers that have traditionally made game development difficult." He emphasized that the partnership will help bring the company’s creator‑centric vision to Saudi Arabia and support the growth of the Kingdom’s emerging creator ecosystem, a central pillar of Vision 2030. Roblox’s expansion into Saudi Arabia is more than a simple office opening; it is part of a broader economic diversification strategy championed by Vision 2030.
The Saudi government has set ambitious targets for the digital and entertainment sectors, aiming to create a vibrant ecosystem that can generate thousands of jobs and attract international investment. Among the specific goals outlined in the plan are the establishment of 250 video‑game and esports companies and the creation of roughly 39,000 new positions by the end of the decade. By situating a headquarters in Riyadh, Roblox intends to tap into local talent and provide Saudi creators with direct access to its robust suite of development tools, educational resources, and monetization pathways.
The company plans to launch a series of training programs, workshops, and mentorship initiatives that will help aspiring developers acquire the technical skills needed to build immersive experiences on the Roblox platform. These educational efforts are expected to dovetail with existing Saudi educational reforms that emphasize STEM learning and digital literacy.
In addition to nurturing home‑grown talent, Roblox aims to attract foreign developers to the Saudi market, offering them a gateway to a rapidly growing user base in the region. The company’s platform, which already hosts millions of active users worldwide, presents a unique opportunity for international studios to localize content, collaborate with regional creators, and experiment with new business models tailored to Middle Eastern audiences. The partnership with Savvy Games Group also includes a commitment to improve the technical infrastructure that supports game development in Saudi Arabia.
This involves upgrading server capacity, enhancing broadband connectivity, and providing localized cloud services that can reduce latency for players across the Kingdom. Such improvements are expected to not only benefit Roblox developers but also strengthen the overall digital ecosystem, making the country more attractive to other tech firms.
Roblox’s leadership has repeatedly underscored the importance of education in its long‑term strategy. Baszucki noted that investing in high‑quality, educational opportunities for the next generation of Saudi innovators is essential for sustaining the Kingdom’s digital‑economy growth. By integrating learning modules that teach coding, 3D design, and game mechanics directly into the Roblox platform, the company hopes to inspire a new wave of creators who can contribute to both the local and global gaming markets.
The Riyadh headquarters will also serve as a hub for community engagement, hosting events, hackathons, and creator showcases that bring together developers, educators, and industry stakeholders. These gatherings are intended to foster collaboration, share best practices, and highlight success stories that can motivate more individuals to explore game creation as a viable career path. Overall, Roblox’s move to establish a regional base in Saudi Arabia aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives of economic diversification, job creation, and cultural development. By investing in the gaming sector, Roblox not only expands its own footprint but also contributes to the broader ambition of positioning Saudi Arabia as a leading destination for digital entertainment and innovation.
The company’s commitment to education, infrastructure, and community building suggests a long‑term partnership that could reshape the creative landscape of the MENA region for years to come.