Tesla to launch in KSA

Tesla will begin sales in Saudi Arabia next month, marking a thaw in relations between CEO Elon Musk and the kingdom following their 2018 dispute over a failed attempt to take the company private.

The electric carmaker, which operates in other Middle Eastern markets, will host a launch event in Riyadh on April 10, showcasing its EVs, solar-powered products, and AI-driven innovations, including the humanoid robot Optimus.

Musk’s ties with Saudi Arabia have improved in recent months, with the billionaire appearing alongside Public Investment Fund (PIF) chief Yasir al-Rumayyan at high-profile events. The PIF, which holds a majority stake in Tesla rival Lucid, has also invested in a domestic EV brand, Ceer.

Despite these moves, EV adoption in Saudi Arabia remains low, with electric vehicles accounting for just 1 per cent of total car sales in 2024, as cheap fuel and limited charging infrastructure sustain demand for traditional gas-powered cars.