Lucid Middle East is the regional arm of luxury EV maker Lucid Group, expanding its footprint in the Gulf with retail studios in Riyadh and Dubai, a service center, and a major assembly facility in Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC). Backed by Saudi investment, it aims to manufacture 500,000 vehicles globally (i.e. AMP-1 and AMP-2 in the future), train local workforce, and support Vision 2030’s EV ambitions.
Earlier this year, Lucid proudly became the first automotive Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to earn the coveted “Saudi Made” badge. This distinction reflects Lucid’s identity as a company producing world-class vehicles with Saudi expertise; directly bolstering the National Industrial Strategy and cementing Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for advanced manufacturing and electric vehicle technology.
Economy Middle East meets Faisal Sultan, the president of Lucid Motors Middle East, who shares his vision for the EV company and how it is playing a key role in Saudi Arabia’s sustainability drive.
Saudi PIF-backed Lucid Group secures $1.1 billion from convertible senior notes due 2030
Advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 EV drive
“Lucid’s establishment of AMP-2 in King Salman Automotive Cluster in KAEC represents a significant step towards localizing EV production and directly contributes to Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 goal of producing 500,000 EVs annually,” says Faisal Sultan, president of Lucid Motors Middle East.
The facility, the Kingdom’s first and most advanced electric vehicle manufacturing plant, demonstrates Lucid’s commitment to building a long-term presence in Saudi Arabia and contributing to its economic diversification.
“A fully ‘Made-in-Saudi’ certified electric vehicle is the ultimate outcome of these efforts, given the Kingdom’s strategic investments, supportive ecosystem, and this is where Lucid’s vision and the Kingdom’s vision has come together to develop local capabilities,” Sultan explains.
The Lucid Air, the automaker’s flagship award-winning sedan, is celebrated for its advanced technology, performance, and range leadership. As Lucid’s first manufactured vehicle, the Air delivers up to 830 kilometers, currently the longest range of any EV in the world.
Most recently, the EV company also introduced the next evolution of its engineering with Lucid Gravity, the world’s most advanced SUV. The Lucid Gravity inherits the same proprietary features as its predecessor, with electric drive units, an efficient battery system, and a lightweight architecture that earned the Air global acclaim.
It is the first SUV that delivers everything consumers want in a single vehicle without compromise — the versatility and comfort of a full-size three-row luxury SUV, the performance of a sports car, and the range and charging of a Lucid Air.
Sultan believes that a high-volume, midsize SUV is central to Lucid’s growth strategy and will be manufactured in Saudi Arabia. This new platform is designed to be Lucid’s most widely accessible car yet by offering Lucid’s signature class and technology at a more accessible price.
“Manufacturing in the Kingdom will create additional skilled workers, strengthen the local supply chain, and help establish Saudi Arabia as a significant player in the global EV market, moving closer to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal of producing 500,000 EVs,” Sultan says.
World-class manufacturing facility
Lucid’s AMP 2 facility in King Salman Automotive Cluster is an important step for the EV company’s global manufacturing strategy.
“The AMP-2 in King Salman Automotive Cluster, in addition to our existing AMP-1 facility in Arizona, gives us the ability to efficiently fulfil our agreement with the government of Saudi Arabia to purchase up to 100,000 vehicles over ten years, with an initial commitment to purchase 50,000 vehicles and an option to purchase up to an additional 50,000 vehicles over the same period,” Sultan explains.
“Advanced vehicles are brought to life at the AMP-2 facility in Saudi Arabia, maintaining global quality standards. The current focus is on the assembly phase, bringing cutting-edge technology and processes from the Arizona plant. Looking ahead, Lucid has ambitious plans and upcoming milestones to further its commitment to the region’s electric vehicle market.”
“Globally, AMP-2 diversifies our manufacturing footprint, enhances our production capacity, and strategically positions Lucid to serve not only the Middle East but also potentially broader international markets from a highly competitive base. It exemplifies successful public-private partnerships, with support from various government entities. The factory directly fulfills a national mandate, contributing to the Saudi Green Initiative and creating high-skilled jobs,” Sultan adds.
When asked how Lucid is contributing to the development of Saudi talent, Sultan says: “Today, nearly 69 percent of Lucid’s onsite workforce are Saudi nationals, demonstrating a deep commitment to empowering local talent.”
“Local talents play a critical and growing role across Lucid’s operations, with many involved directly in production at AMP-2. Lucid is also committed to championing other Saudi talents, being homegrown, digital-savvy youth, who are aspiring to pursue careers at the cutting edge of technology,” he adds.
“Many received initial hands-on training at the US facility, gaining experience with advanced manufacturing and EV technology. Key programs for training local engineers and technicians include the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) Partnership. It is a significant investment in human capital to train over a thousand Saudi employees in EV manufacturing and related technologies.
“As part of our agreement with the Human Resources Development Fund, HRDF is investing up to $50 million in human capital for over 1,000 employees and the National Automotive and Vehicles Academy (NAVA). It’s a partnership to provide state-of-the-art training for aspiring Saudi automotive professionals,” Sultan explains.
Regional expansion
Lucid now has 39 studios worldwide, further expanding its global footprint. In the region, Lucid Middle East has opened studios in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dubai, and soon a studio in Al Khobar.
Sultan explains the importance of the Jeddah expansion to Lucid Middle East: “Establishing a presence in Jeddah was a natural progression and signifies a strategic step in Lucid’s expansion throughout the Kingdom. We are conveniently located on a reasonable drive from our state-of-the-art AMP-2 manufacturing facility in KAEC, the heart of Lucid’s production in the Kingdom.
“This strategic proximity translates to faster delivery times for our electric vehicles, ensuring you get behind the wheel sooner at our Jeddah studio. Together, this center and AMP-2 will not only be a catalyst for the EV industry but will also offer a seamless and efficient car-buying experience for our valued customers.”
Solid partnership
The Lucid-KSA collaboration was a strategic alignment between the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and Lucid’s technological innovation. The establishment of AMP-2 was a direct result of robust partnerships with the Saudi government and key industry players. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) initially enabled Lucid to build the first purpose-built, vertically integrated EV manufacturing plant in North America (AMP-1).
The opening of AMP-2 was made possible through the direct support of the PIF and significant investments by the Ministry of Investment, the Saudi Industrial Development Fund, HRDF, King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), and Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority (ECZA). This collective effort is a perfect example of the effective public-private partnerships that Saudi Arabia fosters to achieve its industrial ambitions.
Creating an innovative EV ecosystem and local supply chain in Saudi Arabia
With the opening of Lucid’s first electric vehicle manufacturing facility in the Kingdom, the AMP-2 is a landmark achievement made possible by the automaker’s strategic partnership with the PIF. In addition, its partnership with EVIQ to develop a fast-charging public network significantly enhances accessibility and convenience for Saudi EV drivers.
Another agreement with Turning Point, the official Wallbox distributor in the Kingdom, Lucid has ensured fast and efficient home charging solutions for its customers in Saudi Arabia. Lucid also signed an MoU with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) to advance research into battery technologies and materials, marking the second phase of their collaboration.
The partnership will focus on rigorous testing and validation of EVs and their components to support the Kingdom’s growing automotive and energy sectors. As part of Lucid’s long-term vision, the center will also explore global applications of its leading technologies.
Clean energy technologies
Lucid and KAUST are collaborating to accelerate the EV sector in Saudi Arabia by developing advanced clean-energy technologies, creating career opportunities for KAUST graduates, and establishing a Human Resources Development Fund agreement to employ and train hundreds of Saudi nationals. This partnership directly supports Vision 2030 by harnessing KAUST’s research and providing structured training, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global technology leader in the EV sector.
Developing talent
Earlier this year, Lucid signed an MoU with the National Automotive and Vehicles Academy (NAVA) to bridge the gap between technical education and industry demands.
This agreement reaffirms Lucid’s commitment to developing a skilled Saudi workforce, with a focus on long-term training and specialized technical courses for the growing automotive and electric vehicle sectors.
Industry partnerships
Lucid Middle East signed a strategic partnership with Blacklane, the global chauffeur service, to integrate the automaker’s advanced electric vehicles into Blacklane’s premium fleet across Saudi Arabia. The collaboration supports Blacklane’s expansion in key cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah, and reinforces Lucid’s commitment to advancing sustainable, luxury mobility in the Kingdom.
Lucid also partnered with the Saudi Authority of Accredited Valuers (TAQEEM) to enhance repair quality, improve technical expertise, and ensure fair compensation for Lucid vehicle owners. The MoU covers knowledge exchange, training collaboration, and the creation of educational materials, providing access to technical information on repair methods and support for pricing damaged EV parts.
Collaborations in the UAE
Lucid’s latest partnership with Dubai Police introduced its newest addition to the tourist police patrol fleet: The Lucid Air Grand Touring. This showcases one of the world’s most technologically advanced electric vehicles and reflects Dubai Police’s commitment to supporting the UAE’s plans for a green economy and the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033.
The company also partnered with e& UAE, a leading telecommunications provider, to integrate high-performance SIM cards into Lucid vehicles. The agreement will ensure Lucid’s customers stay seamlessly connected wherever their adventures take them, reinforcing the EV manufacturer’s commitment to exceptional driving experiences and cutting-edge technology.
Lucid’s contribution to the Saudi Green Initiative
On the sustainability front, Sultan is thrilled to share Lucid’s role in the Kingdom’s green initiatives.
“Lucid’s electric vehicles directly align with the Saudi Green Initiative’s (SGI) objectives to combat climate change, improve quality of life, and transition the Kingdom to a green economy,” he says, highlighting the goal of 30 percent EV sales in Riyadh by 2030. “At Lucid, our cars make the best possible use of the world’s resources,” he adds.
“Our hyper focus on efficiency allows us to minimize our environmental impact by using less battery to go further and using less energy per mile. And, by having the longest-range electric car on the market today, we help alleviate ‘range anxiety’ and may further aid the country’s transition to EVs.”
“The Lucid Air is a great example of this,” he continues. “Most notably, it is the first vehicle in the world to achieve a ratio of 8.0 kilometers of range per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy certified by the EPA, and it is the first and only EV with 800-plus kilometers of EPA range.”
“The Lucid Gravity SUV follows this commitment,” he says. “Holding the title as the most efficient SUV (including ICE vehicles) and fastest charging, adding 320 kilometers in under 11 minutes.”
“This great efficiency means Lucid’s cars need fewer batteries and less electricity from the grid. This significantly reduces the demand for raw materials and lowers the environmental impact of generating electricity. When a Lucid Air is driven, it creates up to 20 percent less carbon emissions than the average EV and almost 300 percent less than a regular gasoline car per mile.
“This huge reduction in carbon is exactly what the SGI wants to achieve for its net-zero goals. The commitment to sustainability is also reflected in the vehicle’s interior, featuring sustainable wood finishes, recycled fabrics, and responsibly sourced leather,” Sultan explains.
“Lucid’s entire vehicle lineup, from the Air’s benchmark efficiency to the Gravity SUV’s impressive range, interior space and charging speed, is actively advancing the Saudi Green Initiative. This effort is further strengthened by our strategic partnerships focused on sustainable technology and global environmental commitments, collectively supporting the Kingdom in achieving its ambitious environmental objectives.”
Proudly Saudi-made
The “Made in Saudi” certification is now a benchmark for quality and reliability.
“Lucid’s recent inclusion in the “Made in Saudi” program, as the first automotive OEM to receive this designation, is a powerful symbol of our commitment to producing world-class vehicles with Saudi expertise. This aligns with the program’s goals of enhancing the appeal of the Saudi industrial sector and encouraging local product consumption. For Lucid, it unequivocally validates our deep investment in the Kingdom and confirms that our locally produced electric vehicles meet and exceed global standards for quality, innovation, and sustainability,” Sultan says.
This certification is a direct outcome of a strategic alignment between the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and Lucid’s technological innovation. The PIF believed in Lucid’s ability to revolutionize the industry through its award-winning and industry-leading technology. This recognition shines a light on Lucid as a catalyst for economic diversification and a sustainable future.
“Lucid’s dedication to high-quality local production is demonstrated through its manufacturing strategy. AMP-1, our manufacturing facility in Arizona, was the first greenfield EV manufacturing facility built in North America. This allowed for greater operational efficiencies and consistent production quality. Our vehicles have continued to garner awards since their launch in 2021, a testament to PIF’s unwavering vision in supporting sustainability,” he adds.
The “Made in Saudi” certification validates Lucid’s deep investment in the Kingdom, confirming that its locally produced electric vehicles meet and exceed global standards for quality, innovation, and sustainability, all while leveraging Saudi talent and resources to drive economic diversification.
As Lucid continues to scale its operations in Saudi Arabia, the EV manufacturer stands as a catalyst for innovation, job creation, and clean energy leadership. By aligning cutting-edge electric vehicle technology with Vision 2030, Lucid is not only manufacturing the future of mobility, it is also empowering a new generation of Saudi talent and driving the Kingdom’s sustainable industrial transformation.
