Tesla has finally landed in Saudi Arabia. And not quietly. The brand that changed how the world sees electric vehicles has opened its first showrooms in the Kingdom, and with it, a new chapter begins. One where futuristic design, clean energy, and regional ambition meet in the middle of the desert.
If you’re someone who’s been watching Saudi Arabia’s transformation unfold, this isn’t just about a showroom. It’s a shift in the national current. And whether you’re a car enthusiast or just curious about where the Kingdom is headed, this move matters.
From the Desert to the Dealership: Where You’ll Find Tesla
The doors opened on April 10, 2025. Riyadh got the first Tesla showroom and service center, with pop-up stores in Jeddah and Dammam following suit. The Riyadh event wasn’t your typical launch—giant screens flashed footage of the Cybertruck tearing across Saudi sands, and Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robot made an appearance, signaling a future that’s as much about AI as it is about engines.
Naseem Akbarzada, Tesla’s country manager for Saudi Arabia, described it as the start of a long-term presence. It’s been a long time coming—and it’s here now.
Buying a Tesla in Saudi Arabia? Here’s How it Works
Ordering is digital, seamless, and straightforward. You browse online, pick your model, place the booking, and choose delivery or pickup. If you want to test the waters in person, the showrooms and pop-ups are made just for that.
Alongside the cars came Tesla Supercharger stations, launched April 11 in all three cities. More are in the pipeline.
Charging, Heat, and the Long Roads In Between
Right now, EVs make up just 1% of total car sales in Saudi Arabia. In 2024, only 2,000 electric cars were sold in the entire country. That’s a tiny number compared to the global push. Part of the problem? Infrastructure.
Before Tesla’s launch in Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom had just over 100 charging stations. And Saudi roads are long. The drive from Riyadh to Jeddah is about 950 km—enough to stir range anxiety in most drivers.
Tesla’s rollout of Superchargers helps, but the bigger plan comes from the government: a target of 5,000 EV chargers by 2030, spearheaded by the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Company.
There’s also the heat. Summers here push batteries hard. Tesla’s thermal management will need to be as tough as the climate it’s entering.
And let’s not forget fuel costs. Gas sells for around 2.33 riyals ($0.62) per liter. That’s not easy to compete with. But change is coming.
Interest Is Picking Up
A recent PwC survey shows that more than 40% of Saudis are thinking of switching to electric vehicles in the next three years. That’s a big number for a region built on oil.
The government is backing that interest with real targets. Riyadh aims for 30% of its cars to be electric by 2030. And that goal is part of the bigger Vision 2030 roadmap.
Tesla’s arrival feels aligned with the pace of transformation.
It’s Not Just Tesla in the Game
Saudi Arabia’s EV scene isn’t empty. BYD launched in Riyadh in May 2024, offering affordable alternatives. Lucid Motors, with its Jeddah factory backed by the Public Investment Fund, opened in 2023 and has already rooted itself firmly.
Meanwhile, homegrown efforts are accelerating. CEER, Saudi Arabia’s own EV brand, plans to begin production in 2025, with support from PIF and Foxconn. Add to that a Hyundai plant in the works, and you’ve got a full-fledged ecosystem taking shape.
Tesla isn’t early here. But it’s here now.
Looking Back: The Musk-Saudi Rift and a Promising New Chapter
In 2018, Elon Musk tweeted about taking Tesla private with help from Saudi funding. The deal never happened. The fallout? Tense. But this launch feels like a reset—and a step forward in economic cooperation between a leading tech innovator and a nation reinventing itself.
Tesla’s launch in Saudi Arabia is a powerful signal. It highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to clean energy and smart mobility, and shows that past tensions don’t have to define future progress.
Still, Musk didn’t attend the launch. And yes, fans noticed. One visitor said, “I’m honestly very disappointed I cannot see him.” His absence didn’t overshadow the moment, but it was felt.
A Showroom Isn’t Enough—What’s Next?
Economist Mohammed Al-Qahtani captured the national mood: “We do not want a showroom; we want a factory.”
Saudi Arabia isn’t just trying to sell EVs—it wants to build them. With $39 billion committed to the sector and Vision 2030 pushing industrial growth, local manufacturing is the next big leap. And Tesla? It has the chance to be part of that story.
FAQs
Where is the Tesla showroom in Saudi Arabia?
The Tesla Showroom is in Riyadh, with pop-up locations in Jeddah and Dammam.
Which Tesla models are available in Saudi Arabia?
The Model 3, Model Y, and the Cybertruck are currently on display and available for order.
Can you charge your Tesla easily in Saudi Arabia?
Superchargers are now live in three cities. The broader network is expanding under a government-led plan.
How does the heat affect Tesla’s performance?
High temperatures can reduce battery range. Tesla will possibly adjust systems to handle local climate conditions.
Is Tesla building a factory in Saudi Arabia?
Not yet—but local leaders are encouraging it. With the market growing, the opportunity is there.
