When Elon Musk struts onto the stage with President Trump and a Saudi prince, the world stops for a moment. But this isn't a scene from a sci-fi movie—this is reality, where robots dance the YMCA, Starlink connects the skies, and robo-taxis are already waiting for the green light.
Saudi Arabia has been synonymous with oil for decades – but if you ask Elon Musk, this will soon be just another chapter in the history textbook. Elon Musk, entrepreneur and former (or current?) richest man in the world, visited the kingdom these days in the company of former US President Donald Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. What did he bring with him? A robo-revolution. Literally.
Tesla demonstrated several humanoid Optimus robots on stage that can walk, talk — and, Musk says, even do the “Trump dance” to the rhythms of the legendary YMCA. But for Musk, robots are not just entertainment — they are the foundation of a new world. His vision includes tens of billions of humanoids that will bring “universal high income” as society’s productivity explodes.
And that's not all. The "cars of the future" - fully autonomous robo-taxis - have also arrived on the scene. Musk says that today's vehicle is just a "robot on four wheels", and that Saudi Arabia will soon be among the first to test these futuristic means of transport. This will turn cars into money generators - they drive you and make you money at the same time.
Additionally, the kingdom has officially approved the use of Starlink for maritime and aviation, meaning the desert skies and seas will now be under continuous digital surveillance. If that's not space-age enough, Musk also mentioned the possibility of building The Boring Company tunnels through Saudi cities to solve traffic jams - with a sense of "teleportation", he said.
What does Elon Musk plan for Saudi Arabia?
1. Tesla Optimus – humanoid robots to increase productivity
Elon Musk unveiled Tesla Optimus robots and demonstrated them live to an audience including the Saudi Crown Prince and Donald Trump. These robots are capable of walking, interacting and even dancing. Musk believes that humanoid robots will be an important part of the future economy and that every individual will have their own personal assistant. The goal: to automate manual labor and increase productivity in the country.
2. Tesla RoboTaxi – autonomous mobility and vehicle monetization
Musk has announced the launch of Tesla RoboTaxi, a system of autonomous vehicles in Saudi Arabia. The vehicles are expected to operate completely autonomously and are part of the kingdom's vision for smart cities. The key idea: cars that are no longer an expense but a source of income - owners can use them to transport other people without a driver.
3. Starlink – satellite internet for maritime and aviation
Saudi Arabia has officially approved the use of Starlink for maritime and air traffic. This means that aircraft and ships in the kingdom (and the wider region) will have access to fast, reliable internet, independent of terrestrial networks. Musk expressed his gratitude to the kingdom for the quick approval.
4. The Boring Company – a solution for urban transport with tunnels
Musk has proposed the introduction of underground transportation tunnels, similar to those already built in Las Vegas by The Boring Company. It is an innovative solution to traffic congestion, allowing for rapid connection of different parts of the city with electric vehicles underground - so-called "urban teleportation".
5. xAI – artificial intelligence for truth-seeking
Musk also highlighted his new company, xAI, which aims to create artificial intelligence focused on finding truth and understanding the universe. He sees potential for educational and research partnerships with Saudi Arabia as the kingdom focuses on developing science and technology.
Conclusion: a future where there are no restrictions – and Europe?!
Saudi Arabia is no longer just an oil powerhouse – with Elon Musk as a strategic technology partner, it is transforming into a global high-tech hub. In the coming years, we will see humanoid robots being tested in Riyadh and other Saudi cities, autonomous taxis being introduced, satellite internet being deployed in critical infrastructure, and advanced transportation solutions being built.
Musk is bringing his key projects – Tesla, Starlink, The Boring Company and xAI – to a country that has been investing heavily in the transition to the economy of the future for several years. And if all goes according to plan, Saudi Arabia will be where the future begins first.
