In a strategic move that aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the Kingdom has approved the use of Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, for aviation and maritime sectors.
The announcement was made by Musk himself during the Saudi-US Investment Forum, highlighting the country’s growing emphasis on high-tech infrastructure and digital connectivity.
Starlink Supports Vision 2030 Goals
The approval of Starlink marks a major step forward in Saudi Arabia’s technological ambitions under Vision 2030. The deal, reportedly valued at $600 billion, is expected to enhance connectivity across the Kingdom’s transport, logistics, and remote areas, especially in sectors like aviation and maritime where reliable internet has often been a challenge.
Elon Musk thanked the Saudi government during the forum, stating:
“I’d also like to thank the Kingdom for approving Starlink for maritime and aviation use.”
Starlink, operated by Musk’s aerospace company SpaceX, aims to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet to underserved areas around the globe. The service is already being adopted in regions with limited traditional infrastructure and is now set to benefit Saudi Arabia’s expanding transport sector.
Tesla Robotaxi and Robotics Vision
Alongside the Starlink announcement, Musk hinted at introducing Tesla’s self-driving cars to Saudi Arabia in the future. While no specific launch date was provided, he expressed strong interest in seeing autonomous vehicles on Saudi roads.
“I think it would be very exciting to have autonomous vehicles here in the Kingdom,” he said.
Additionally, Musk mentioned that he had demonstrated Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robots to both Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and former U.S. President Donald Trump. While still in development, these robots are part of Tesla’s long-term vision for automation and artificial intelligence.
Regional Impact and Global Implications
The deal strengthens U.S.–Saudi technology cooperation and signals growing regional competition, especially as China also seeks to expand its satellite communication influence in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, efforts to expand Starlink into Iraq face regulatory challenges, largely due to Iran’s influence in the region. In Iran itself, Starlink has reportedly been used via smuggled devices to bypass censorship, although any official approval remains unlikely.
For further insight into Starlink’s global expansion, you can read this report by SpaceNews.
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