Tesla Launches in Saudi Arabia Amid EV Push

Tesla has officially entered the Saudi market, opening its first showroom and service center in Riyadh.

Tesla joins a competitive EV market in the Kingdom, with players like China’s BYD and Zeekr already active. I Photo: Tesla

The launch includes offerings of the Model 3, Model Y, and the highly anticipated Cybertruck, along with pop-up stores planned for Jeddah and Dammam.

“It’s a beautiful step we’ve been waiting for — to finally see Tesla open in Saudi Arabia,” said Bader Khalid, a local businessman. “Tesla is one of the most important EV companies in the world, so it’s a big deal to have them present in our market.”

The expansion aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a strategic framework aimed at diversifying the economy and reducing its reliance on oil. One of the goals is for 30% of vehicles in Riyadh to be electric by 2030.

In response to the limited EV charging infrastructure, the Saudi government announced plans to significantly expand charging networks as part of its broader sustainability efforts.

Tesla joins a competitive EV market in the Kingdom, with players like China’s BYD and Zeekr already active, alongside California-based Lucid Motors, which is majority-owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund. Lucid is also building its first international factory in Jeddah.