Yalla Group Limited, the largest online social networking and gaming company based in the Middle East and North Africa, has announced a major strategic expansion into Saudi Arabia with plans to open a new regional headquarters in Riyadh. The NYSE-listed company has obtained the necessary commercial licenses for the move, signaling a significant deepening of its commitment to the Kingdom.
The announcement was made during a high-level meeting in Beijing, China, attended by Yalla Group’s leadership, His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, and His Excellency Abdulrahman bin Ahmed Alharbi, the Saudi Ambassador to China.
Strategic Expansion into the Kingdom
The new headquarters is scheduled to open in the first half of 2026 at Riyadh’s Roshn Front. This move is a key component of Yalla Group’s strategy to enhance its presence and leverage the immense potential within Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding digital and entertainment landscape.
The Riyadh office will act as a central hub for the company’s regional operations and partnerships. It aims to foster closer relationships with local stakeholders, drive the development of localized gaming content, and collaborate with key players in the Kingdom’s tech ecosystem. The new base is also expected to generate new employment opportunities and help nurture local talent.
Strengthening the Kingdom’s Digital Ecosystem
His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar welcomed the expansion, stating that Yalla Group’s decision highlights the growing international confidence in Saudi Arabia’s digital economy and its supportive ecosystem for creative industries.
“Yalla’s decision to base its regional head office in Riyadh underscores international confidence in the Kingdom’s expanding digital economy,” he noted. Prince Faisal added that the move will broaden the gaming landscape, create new opportunities for Saudi talent, and contribute to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to establish the Kingdom as a leading regional hub for digital entertainment and technology.
A Milestone for Regional Growth
Saifi Ismail, President of Yalla Group and CEO of the new regional headquarters, described the opening as a strategic milestone in the company’s growth plans.
“The opening of our new headquarters in Riyadh marks a strategic milestone in Yalla Group’s expansion plans in the Saudi market. It demonstrates our commitment to contributing to the development of the Kingdom’s advanced digital landscape,” said Ismail. “We aim to work closely with Saudi talent and stakeholders to develop and refine our offerings, ensuring they are in line with the aspirations of local users.”
Ismail emphasized that the company is committed to being an active partner in realizing the Kingdom’s vision for a prosperous digital economy by introducing innovative solutions that build vibrant digital communities.
About Yalla Group
Yalla Group Limited is the largest MENA-based online social networking and gaming company by revenue. It operates two flagship mobile applications: Yalla, a voice-centric group chat platform, and Yalla Ludo, a casual gaming application with popular board games and in-game voice chat. The company’s ecosystem also includes YallaChat, an IM product for Arabic users; WeMuslim, an app supporting religious customs; and other casual games like Yalla Baloot and 101 Okey Yalla. Yalla Group focuses on creating a regionally-focused, integrated ecosystem that deeply resonates with local culture and user preferences.
Source: Zawya
