Elon Musk’s Tesla is launched in Saudi Arabia. The first showroom and service center opened in Riyadh
Tesla Officially launched in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, a new chapter in the company’s global expansion Elon Musk Troubled relationship with the Kingdom – But extreme heat in the Middle East countries could challenge their electric vehicle performance and battery efficiency.
Musk and Saudi Arabia have a complex history. Back in 2018, Tesla CEO claimed that he had obtained funds from the Kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund to privatize the company. The deal never happened, causing tensions.
With the establishment of its first showroom and service center in Riyadh, the Saudi capital, Tesla has brought its long-awaited entry into the Saudi market. The facility will offer models including Model 3, Model Y and Cybertruck, and pop-up stores are also open in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.
The Riyadh event attracted a huge crowd – from content creators and car enthusiasts to tourists excited about Tesla’s launch.
“It’s a beautiful step we’ve been waiting for – finally seeing the Tesla Open in Saudi Arabia,” said local businessman Bader Khalid. “This country is clearly moving towards electric vehicles.”
He added: “Tesla is one of the most important electric vehicle companies in the world, so it’s important to include them in our market.”
However, the Kingdom still faces significant challenges in infrastructure, with limited public EV charging stations available. The government has announced plans to expand the charging network as part of its sustainability goals.
Musk has a huge fan base in the Kingdom, praised by many for his creativity and innovation and is seen as visionary for the future.
“He’s always looking to the future,” said Mohammed Osama, a teenager who is passionate about everything about Tesla. “Maybe there are a few things that don’t make sense now, but in the future, everything will come together – he’s building something bigger.”
Many attendees hoped that Musk would appear at least through video, but he did not show it.
Although Tesla has faced criticism and even Vandalism in parts of the United States Elsewhere, Musk plays an important role in President Donald Trump’s administration. People have protested against Musk’s government efficiency ministry or threshold. Cut the size of the federal government Through massive layoffs, contract cancellations and other moves.
Still, many in Saudi Arabia believe this will not affect Tesla’s performance in the Kingdom. “Political events outside Saudi Arabia don’t care about us,” Khalid said. “So I don’t think this thing has any effect.”
Another luxury electric car manufacturer, Lucid Motors, is headquartered in California and has established deep ties with Saudi Arabia.
The Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund is one of Lucid’s biggest backers and owns a majority stake in the company. In 2022, Lucid announced plans to establish its first international manufacturing plant in Jeddah City, an important step in the country’s national push to become a hub for advanced automotive technology.
The growing interest in electric vehicles is aligned with it Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 – Ambitious plan to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil. Electric vehicles are a key part of the strategy, and the government aims to 30% of all vehicles in Riyadh by 2030.
