Tesla to launch in Saudi Arabia amid global sales decline

Tesla, the US-based electric vehicle (EV) giant, has announced its official entry into the Saudi market, with operations set to begin on April 10 at Bujairi Terrace in Riyadh.

Despite its presence in several Middle Eastern countries, Tesla has yet to establish itself in Saudi Arabia, the Gulf region’s largest market. The launch aligns with the Kingdom’s broader vision of reducing reliance on crude oil revenues and promoting sustainability, as it pushes toward net-zero emissions by 2060.

Inviting customers to the event, Tesla stated on its website: “You and your family are warmly invited to our launch event at the Bujairi Terrace on April 10. Explore our global bestselling lineup and step into a world powered by solar energy, sustained by batteries, and driven by electric vehicles.”

The event will also feature the Cybercab, showcasing autonomous driving technology, and Optimus, Tesla’s humanoid robot, as the company highlights its advancements in AI and robotics. However, Tesla has not yet revealed when its vehicles will officially go on sale in Saudi Arabia.

Tesla’s Saudi debut comes at a challenging time for the company, as it grapples with declining sales in key markets like Europe and the US. Data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association shows a 42.6% drop in Tesla’s sales across Europe in 2025, even as EV adoption rises.

Meanwhile, the company faces protests in the US following Elon Musk’s appointment to the Department of Government Efficiency under Donald Trump’s administration.

Saudi Arabia has been actively promoting EV adoption, with its Public Investment Fund (PIF) holding a majority stake in Lucid Group, a Tesla competitor.

In January, Lucid Motors became the first global automaker to join the “Made in Saudi” program, gaining the right to use the “Saudi Made” label as part of the Kingdom’s commitment to innovation and economic diversification.