Elon Musk: Saudi Arabia to authorize use of SpaceX's Starlink for aviation and maritime shipping

Elon Musk: Saudi Arabia to authorize use of SpaceX's Starlink for aviation and maritime shipping

In a significant development for SpaceX and its satellite internet service, Starlink, Saudi Arabia has approved the use of the service for both aviation and maritime shipping. This approval was announced by Tesla CEO Elon Musk during a meeting with Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha at the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum in Riyadh on May 13, 2025 [1].

The approval marks a substantial milestone for Starlink, which aims to provide high-speed internet connectivity across the globe. The service has already been gaining traction in various regions, and this new authorization further expands its reach, particularly in the Middle East [2].

Additionally, Musk discussed other business ambitions during the event, including plans to introduce Tesla robotaxis to Saudi Arabia, although the timeline for this initiative remains unspecified [3].

This news comes amidst a broader U.S.-Saudi Arabia economic partnership, with the U.S. securing a $600 billion commitment from Saudi Arabia to invest in the United States. The agreement includes a substantial arms package worth nearly $142 billion, covering various defense and technological sectors [3].

References:
[1] https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/13/elon-musk-starlink-saudi-arabia.html
[2] https://www.theinformation.com/briefings/nvidia-amd-announce-ai-chip-deals-saudi-arabia
[3] https://www.yahoo.com/news/musk-thanks-saudi-approving-starlink-164928088.html