Tesla opens orders for new Roadster in UAE; Rocket ‘flying’ model not on list

Tesla has begun accepting reservations for its next-generation Roadster in the United Arab Emirates, though the so-called flying version of the vehicle is not yet available for customers in the country.

The electric carmaker’s chief executive, Elon Musk, unveiled the Roadster at a demonstration in Texas last week. The model lineup includes three variants: Performance, Thrust and Rocket.

Reservation details and deposits

Customers in the UAE can reserve the Performance variant with a refundable initial payment of Dh20,000 ($4,847), followed by a second payment of Dh190,000 within 10 days.

The more powerful Thrust variant requires the same initial payment, followed by a further Dh1 million within 10 days. Tesla has specified that the built-in thrusters in this model are designed solely to improve acceleration, not to enable flight.

The Rocket model, which is equipped with thrusters made by SpaceX, demonstrated its ability to fly during last week’s event. It is available only by invitation and is not currently offered in the UAE. Tesla has not disclosed the criteria it will use to select buyers for this top-end version.

Pricing and production timeline

Tesla has made clear that all payments are deposits, as final prices have yet to be determined. The Texas-based company plans to begin production of the next-generation vehicles in 2028.

The company has stated that availability of the Rocket model will depend on domestic laws and regulations, and that the configuration will not be offered in all markets.

UAE legal framework questions

The flying capabilities of the Rocket Roadster have prompted questions about its legal status on roads, whether it would be classified as an aircraft, and what approvals would be required.

Under UAE law, aircraft operating in the country must meet registration, licensing and airworthiness requirements. Violators face substantial fines.

The UAE is already developing regulations and infrastructure for flying taxis. In July, the General Civil Aviation Authority certified Dubai’s first purpose-built commercial vertiport for electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft.

The UAE maintains separate laws for road vehicles and aircraft, but no publicly established approval framework specifically addresses a vehicle such as the Rocket Roadster, which blends both categories.

Federal regulations require all vehicles to be registered and licensed, to meet approved technical and safety standards, and to undergo inspection as part of the registration process. They also require approval for substantial changes to the body, chassis or engine power, though that rule concerns modifications and does not necessarily apply to factory-built vehicles.

The aviation authority has also published operating procedures for such aircraft at Abu Dhabi’s Al Bateen Executive Airport. However, these frameworks do not automatically determine whether a vehicle designed for both roads and flight, such as the Rocket, would be permitted to operate.

The Roadster will still need to comply with UAE road regulations, and the Rocket version is expected to require specific aviation approval.