Tesla to Debut in Saudi Arabia with EV Showcase and AI Robot Reveal

Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is set to launch in Saudi Arabia next month, marking its official entry into the Gulf region's largest market. The company announced the launch event will take place in Riyadh on April 10, showcasing its electric vehicles and solar-powered products.

While Tesla already operates in several Middle Eastern countries, this is its first foray into Saudi Arabia, where interest in sustainable technology is growing amid efforts to diversify the oil-dependent economy. The event promises a glimpse into the future with demonstrations of the autonomous Cybercab and Optimus, Tesla’s humanoid AI robot. However, no official sales date for these innovations in the kingdom has been confirmed.

This move comes as Tesla faces challenges elsewhere. In Europe, the company’s sales have dropped 42.6% year-over-year despite a rise in overall EV registrations, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA). Meanwhile, in the U.S., Tesla has become a target of protests following CEO Elon Musk’s appointment as head of the Department of Government Efficiency. The role has sparked controversy due to significant job cuts and canceled federal programs, prompting activist-led “Tesla Takedown” demonstrations nationwide.

Previously, The Wall Street Journal reported early-stage talks between Saudi Arabia and Tesla about building a factory in the country—claims Musk publicly denied. Still, the kingdom remains a key player in the EV race through its sovereign wealth fund, which holds a major stake in Lucid Group (NASDAQ:LCID.O), a Tesla rival.

As Saudi Arabia pushes to position itself as a clean tech hub, Tesla’s entry could signal a major milestone in the region’s electric vehicle transformation.