Starlink Approved in Saudi Arabia: Elon Musk Expands Services
Elon Musk announced that Starlink was approved in Saudi Arabia for aviation and maritime use, marking a significant milestone for the satellite internet service operated by SpaceX. Speaking at an investment forum during a White House-led trip to the kingdom, Musk highlighted his broader business ambitions in the region, including Tesla robotaxis and humanoid robots.
Starlink’s Entry into Saudi Arabia
Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by Musk’s aerospace company SpaceX, will now be available for aviation and maritime sectors in Saudi Arabia. This approval aligns with Musk’s vision of expanding Starlink’s global presence. SpaceX has been actively offering Starlink hardware for free outside the United States to capture new subscribers, reflecting its aggressive growth strategy.
Musk also expressed his enthusiasm for introducing Tesla robotaxis in Saudi Arabia, though he did not specify a timeline. “I think it would be very exciting to have autonomous vehicles here in the kingdom, indeed, if you’re amenable,” he remarked during the forum.
Tesla’s Ambitious Plans for Saudi Arabia
In addition to Starlink, Musk also showcased several of Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robots to former U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Optimus project represents Tesla’s ambitious foray into humanoid robotics, a sector with intense global competition. Although not yet in mass production, these robots are a testament to Tesla’s commitment to pioneering advanced technologies.
Musk’s influence in the region extends beyond Starlink and Tesla. His role as a key advisor to Trump has enabled him to maintain strong ties with Saudi Arabia, including a strategic investment in his newest venture, xAI, by Kingdom Holding Company and the private office of Prince Alwaleed bin Talal.
U.S.-Saudi Arabia Tech and Trade Developments
The event in Saudi Arabia, which featured other U.S. tech leaders such as Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, underscored the growing tech collaboration between the United States and Saudi Arabia. Nvidia announced that it would sell over 18,000 of its latest artificial intelligence chips to Saudi Arabian company Humain, further strengthening U.S.-Saudi tech relations.
Meanwhile, President Trump secured a $600 billion commitment from Saudi Arabia to invest in the United States and finalized an arms package worth nearly $142 billion, signaling a deepening economic and defense partnership.
Elon Musk’s announcement about Starlink’s approval in Saudi Arabia is yet another chapter in the expanding relationship between the U.S. tech industry and the kingdom, with SpaceX, Tesla, and xAI playing pivotal roles in this evolution.
