Charles Esther
Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced his desire to bring robotaxis to Saudi Arabia during a recent appearance at the US-Saudi Investment Forum.
This move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ongoing push to integrate advanced technologies as part of its Vision 2030 modernization strategy.
The announcement, while bold, lacks specific details or a timeline for implementation.
Musk’s Vision for Robotic Transportation
At the event, Musk described future cars as “robots on four wheels.”
He emphasized that autonomous vehicles could play a significant role in the Kingdom’s tech-forward ambitions.
Addressing Abdullah Alswaha, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Musk expressed his hope that the Kingdom would be open to the idea.
While Tesla has not yet rolled out robotaxis to the public anywhere globally, it plans to pilot the service in Austin, Texas, starting in June.
Musk suggested that expansion could follow quickly if the pilot succeeds.
Tesla has not officially commented further on the announcement.
Saudi Arabia’s Push Toward Autonomous Vehicles
Saudi Arabia has made it clear that autonomous transport is a key component of its Vision 2030 goals.
Last year, the Kingdom introduced a regulatory framework to support the adoption of self-driving cars.
These initiatives are part of the country’s broader effort to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on oil.
The aim is to position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in innovation and technology.
Uber’s Competitive Advantage in the Kingdom
While Musk sets his sights on the Saudi market, Uber is already advancing its own autonomous vehicle plans.
On May 6, Uber announced a partnership with Chinese company Pony.AI to launch robotaxis in Saudi Arabia later this year.
Although no exact launch date has been provided, the first autonomous vehicles on Uber’s platform are expected to appear in 2025.
These will initially feature onboard safety operators.
Uber and Careem’s Strong Presence
Uber holds a strong position in the Kingdom’s ride-hailing market.
It owns Careem, the dominant rideshare app across the Middle East.
Careem operates in 26 cities within Saudi Arabia and continues to be a preferred choice for many users.
In addition to Careem, Uber also runs its own branded services in the region.
Despite the major announcement, neither Uber nor Careem provided public comments on the development.
Regulatory Backing and Industry Potential
On the same day as Musk’s statement, Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority confirmed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Uber.
While an MOU is non-binding, it signals serious intent to deploy autonomous vehicles in the country.
Saudi officials believe this collaboration could mark the beginning of widespread robotic transport solutions.
The country’s strategic support may make it a testing ground for future technologies.
Pony.AI’s Mixed History in the U.S. and China
Pony.AI has seen varying levels of success across different markets.
Its U.S. expansion hit a roadblock in 2022 when the California DMV revoked its permit over safety concerns.
However, the company continues to operate autonomous ride services in China.
No comment has been issued from Pony.AI regarding its Saudi plans.
Conclusion
Elon Musk’s ambition to bring Tesla robotaxis to Saudi Arabia adds a new layer to the region’s tech race.
As Saudi Arabia moves swiftly toward integrating autonomous technology, competition between Tesla and Uber is heating up.
With Vision 2030 paving the way, the Kingdom may soon become a hotspot for the future of self-driving transportation.
