Musk says Starlink approved in Saudi Arabia, talks about Optimus robots and robotaxis

Elon Musk says Starlink was approved in Saudi Arabia

Elon Musk said that Saudi Arabia has approved  Starlink for maritime and aviation use, expanding the satellite internet system's already massive global reach.

Speaking at the Saudi-US Investment Forum, Elon Musk expressed gratitude to the Kingdom for authorizing Starlink’s use in both maritime and aviation sectors.

"I'd also like to thank the Kingdom for approving Starlink for maritime and aviation use," he said.

He also shared interest in introducing Tesla’s robotaxi technology to Saudi Arabia, pending regulatory approval.

In a video shared by Musk on X, he mentioned demonstrating Tesla's developing Optimus humanoid robots to both a US leader and the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, during the visit. “I think it would be very exciting to have autonomous vehicles here in the kingdom, indeed, if you’re amenable,” Musk said.

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gorklon rust (@elonmusk) May 13, 2025

Musk noted the potential for introducing autonomous vehicles, pending government approval, and revealed he had showcased Tesla’s in-development Optimus humanoid robots to both President Donald Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Starlink, operated by Musk’s SpaceX, has rapidly expanded and now serves over 125 countries. It has been pivotal in conflict zones like Ukraine and continues to seek new markets, while facing competition from Amazon’s upcoming satellite internet system.

The forum coincides with Trump’s first international trip of his second term, aimed at securing $1 trillion in Middle East investments.

At the same event, Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang also announced the US chipmaker will sell more than 18,000 of its latest artificial intelligence chips to Saudi Arabian company Humain.