Tesla launches Dubai store and service centre

Model S and X cars have been spotted arriving by the dozen in Jebel Ali; plus Model 3 pre-orders are open for UAE

Tesla Model 3 in silver. EPA
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It's a busy month for Tesla: the trailblazing Californian electric-car manufacturer is following up its announcement that the new Model 3 is set for its first handover in the United States later this month with the launch of its Dubai store and service centre.

The Sheikh Zayed Road property, which is Tesla’s first permanent base in the UAE, has its grand opening on Wednesday, July 12, from 7pm. Spaces were limited and the event was at capacity long before its slated RSVP date (July 9).

Peter Bardenfleth-Hansen, Tesla's director for new markets, will be speaking at the event, although there are currently no plans for company firebrand Elon Musk to return to Dubai for the event, following his visit to the UAE in February to announce Tesla's arrival in the country.

The Model 3 is also now available to pre-order on Tesla’s website, for a deposit of Dh4,000. Local pricing is to be confirmed, although in the US, it costs US$35,000 (Dh128,500). It’s estimated that delivery of the cars here will be from mid-2018.

Dozens of new Tesla Model S and X cars have been spotted arriving in Jebel Ali Port, meanwhile, ahead of the store and service centre launch, suggesting that the company’s charging network across the UAE is about to get significantly busier.