Roblox has disclosed that it will establish a new regional headquarters in Riyadh, a step designed to strengthen its creator program across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The announcement, reported by Pocket Gamer, highlights that the venture enjoys the backing of 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 regional hub in the Saudi capital reflects the company’s enduring commitment to the Kingdom’s digital‑economy agenda, as outlined in Vision 2030. 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 Roblox intends to build on existing collaborations within Saudi Arabia that span education, creator development, and the broader gaming ecosystem. He expressed optimism about future programming that will help the Kingdom achieve its ambition to become a worldwide centre for gaming and interactive entertainment.
The Riyadh office follows an earlier partnership announced this year with Savvy Games Group, a joint venture that aims to bring Roblox’s development tools and support services to the local gaming infrastructure. Roblox chief executive Dave Baszucki described the alliance as a means to "enable anyone anywhere to become a creator by lowering the technical barriers to entry traditionally associated with game development." Baszucki emphasized that the collaboration would help realise the broader vision for creators throughout Saudi Arabia and would dovetail with the growth of the Kingdom’s creator ecosystem under Vision 2030. He noted, "[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." Roblox also underscored its belief that investing in high‑quality, educational opportunities for Saudi youth will feed directly into the country’s rapidly expanding digital economy. The company argues that by providing accessible, hands‑on training in game design, coding, and digital storytelling, it can nurture a new generation of skilled creators who will contribute to the nation’s diversification goals.
Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive plan to reduce reliance on oil revenue, places a strong emphasis on technology, entertainment, and creative industries as engines of future growth. Roblox’s expanded footprint is positioned to support these objectives by fostering local talent, encouraging entrepreneurship, and attracting foreign investment in the gaming sector. In practical terms, the Riyadh headquarters will serve as a hub for developer outreach, educational workshops, and community events. It will also coordinate with schools, universities, and vocational institutes to integrate Roblox‑based curricula into existing programs, thereby giving students a practical pathway into game development and interactive media.
Beyond education, Roblox plans to collaborate with Saudi game studios and esports organisations to launch new titles and competitive events. The company’s long‑term target, as outlined by Saudi officials, includes the creation of 250 video‑game and esports companies and the generation of roughly 39,000 jobs by the end of the decade. By providing a platform that lowers entry barriers, Roblox hopes to accelerate the formation of these enterprises and stimulate job creation across design, programming, marketing, and community management.
The strategic partnership with Savvy Games Group also promises to enhance the technical infrastructure needed for large‑scale game publishing in the region. This includes cloud services, payment processing, and compliance with local regulations, all of which are essential for developers aiming to reach Saudi and broader MENA audiences.
Industry analysts see Roblox’s move as part of a wider trend of global tech firms establishing a presence in Saudi Arabia to tap into its youthful, digitally‑savvy population. With more than 70 % of Saudi residents under the age of 30, the market offers a fertile ground for platforms that blend social interaction, creativity, and entertainment. In summary, Roblox’s decision to open a headquarters in Riyadh represents a multi‑faceted effort to align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, nurture a vibrant creator ecosystem, and contribute to the diversification of the Kingdom’s economy.
By investing in education, supporting local developers, and partnering with governmental bodies, Roblox aims to become a cornerstone of the region’s emerging digital entertainment landscape.