In a move that’s raising eyebrows and turning heads, Tesla has officially opened its first showroom in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Yes, the world’s leading electric car company is planting its roots right in the heart of one of the world’s most oil-rich nations.
EVs in the Land of Oil? Now That’s Ironic
Saudi Arabia has always been associated with oil. With fuel prices still incredibly low, big, fuel-guzzling vehicles remain the norm. So, opening an electric vehicle (EV) showroom in a place where gas is cheaper than bottled water might seem like a gamble. But Tesla doesn’t shy away from bold bets.
Challenging Roads Ahead
Tesla’s biggest challenge won’t be just convincing people to go electric—it’s about making EVs practical in a place where the charging infrastructure is still developing. Right now, the number of public charging stations is far from ideal, especially for a country as vast and car-dependent as Saudi Arabia. Range anxiety and lack of awareness remain big barriers.
A Step in a New Direction
But this move isn’t just about selling cars. It’s part of a much bigger shift. Saudi Arabia has been actively working toward diversifying its economy, investing in sustainability, and envisioning a future that isn’t entirely powered by oil. Tesla’s entry might be perfectly timed to ride that wave of change.
Tesla’s store in Saudi Arabia is officially open.
— Nic Cruz Patane (@niccruzpatane) April 10, 2025
They took over a 4 year old Lexus and Toyota dealership in Riyadh. pic.twitter.com/N663kwTlmg
More Than Just a Showroom
Tesla’s new space in Riyadh isn’t just a showroom—it’s a statement. It suggests that even in the most unlikely places, the shift toward clean energy is not only possible, but already underway. And while the road ahead is long, this first step could be the spark that gets things rolling.
