Elon Musk said Monday that Tesla is targeting a release of its Full Self-Driving software in the United Arab Emirates in January 2026.
Just after visiting the country this weekend, the chief executive revealed on an X reply that the software would be available “hopefully, next month.”
The UAE could become the eighth country in which FSD is available, with the latest launch having been in South Korea, where it is still limited to Model X and Model S vehicles.
Customers can currently access the software in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, New Zealand, Australia, South Korea and, partially, in China — where “full approval” is expected in the first quarter.
In the US, the software is available either as a one-time purchase for $8,000, as a $99-per-month subscription, or bundled at no extra cost with the ‘Luxe Package,’ which has recently become standard on the Model X, Model S, and Cybertruck.
The same timeframe is also being linked to a potential European launch, with the Netherlands expected to be the first country.
The company is scheduled to meet with the Dutch safety regulator in February to demonstrate whether the system’s capabilities meet regulatory requirements, according to RDW.
Tesla’s Presence in the UAE
The company has one service center and three stores in Dubai, while there is one service center and one showroom in Abu Dhabi. Three additional locations are spread across the country.
Tesla, which has been in the Dubai since 2017, offers its full portfolio of electric vehicles in the United Arab Emirates, including the Cybertruck, for which orders were opened two months ago in the Middle East.
In the UAE, the dual-motor all-wheel drive version starts at AED 404,990 ($110,280) and the high-performance Cyberbeast begins at AED 454,990 ($123,900).
The Model X is priced from AED 413,670 ($112,640), while the luxury Model S sedan begins at AED 393,670 ($107,200).
Customers can get Unlimited free Supercharging, which is only valid for new pre-configured Model S and Model X vehicles ordered after February 6, 2025.
The entry-level Model 3’s pricing starts at AED 158,670 ($43,200), and the best-selling Model Y at AED 178,670 ($48,650).
The company is currently running a campaign of 0% financial rate for 5 years, plus one year of insurance coverage, for Model 3 and Model Y orders placed by December 31.
The customer must take delivery by March 31.
Musk’s Visit
Elon Musk met with the UAE’s President, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Sunday.
The meeting, where they discussed the latest developments in advanced technology and AI, was also attended by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, among others.
“I very much enjoyed a multifaceted discussion with Elon Musk on space, technology and humanity,” Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed wrote on X later that day. “Excited to see what the future holds.”
On Monday, and after the news of Musk’s 2018 pay package being reinstated by the Delaware court after years of legal battles, Tesla’s stock hit a new all-time high for the second week in a row.
The shares traded as high as $498.82, before dropping to opening levels.
As of press time, Tesla traded 1.5% higher at $488 on Monday’s market session.
