Newborn Town, a Hong Kong-listed technology leader, has strengthened its foothold in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region by establishing its regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia. In partnership with the Ministry of Investment Saudi Arabia (MISA), the company organized an event titled 'To Connect, Explore, and Thrive Together' at the Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC Hotel on September 26. This significant event marked Newborn Town as the first social entertainment enterprise to obtain a regional headquarters (RHQ) license in Saudi Arabia.
The event, attended by prominent guests, highlighted Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global innovation hub. Key attendees included Mohammed Alshabanah, general manager of the ICT Sector at MISA; Alhassan Hamidaldin, general supervisor of the RHQ Program; and senior leaders from Newborn Town, such as Huang Nailiang, head of the MENA market, and Song Pengliang, senior vice president. Nailiang expressed his enthusiasm, stating: "We are honored to receive this license, which highlights Saudi Arabia’s significance as one of our most crucial markets. Joining the RHQ Program will not only help us attract top-tier talent but also unlock new opportunities and achievements across the MENA region."
Launched in February 2021, the RHQ Program is a key component of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, aimed at promoting economic diversification and enhancing the Kingdom’s status as a global business center. During the event, Mohammed Alshabanah emphasized Saudi Arabia's progress in building a conducive business environment. He noted the country’s substantial advancements in information technology, digital economy, and social entertainment, all of which have contributed to its impressive economic growth.
Hamidaldin added: "The establishment of Newborn Town’s RHQ underscores the variety of industries flourishing in Saudi Arabia and showcases the Kingdom’s strong and resilient economy." Since the launch of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s non-oil revenues have surged, accounting for 70 per cent of the economy, while foreign direct investment (FDI) has quadrupled. The Kingdom now ranks second among G20 nations in digital competitiveness and has plans to invest over $60 billion in entertainment and amusement industries.
Since entering the MENA market in 2017, Newborn Town has focused on localized strategies to address the region’s social and entertainment needs. The company’s diverse product ecosystem has fueled remarkable growth, with the MENA region contributing over 50 per cent to its social networking revenue in the first half of 2024. Year-on-year revenue growth in the region stands at 44 per cent, outpacing previous trends.
Beyond business achievements, Newborn Town is dedicated to creating a positive social impact. The company has led initiatives to support local employment, assist vulnerable communities, and provide disaster relief. Recent projects include aiding children battling cancer and empowering local talent. As Saudi Arabia intensifies its efforts to lead in the global digital economy, Newborn Town is set to play a crucial role in this transformation. Nailiang reaffirmed the company’s commitment, stating: "We remain dedicated to supporting Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification goals. Together, we aim to explore new frontiers in the social entertainment sector while contributing to the Kingdom’s progress and prosperity."
By aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Newborn Town is not only advancing its business goals but also contributing to the region's socio-economic development. As the company grows alongside Saudi Arabia and the MENA community, it stands as a testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and shared success.
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