If your feed has been full of a car driving upside down lately, you’re not imagining it. The unveiling video for Tesla’s new Roadster went viral a few days ago, and now UAE residents can do more than just watch it on repeat. Reservations are open here, starting from AED 210,000 and you just have to keep reading to find out how to book one for yourself.
Where To Reserve
Head to the “Vehicles” section of Tesla’s UAE website and look for the “Reserve Now” button. You’ll be able to choose between two versions, depending on how much performance you’re after. Deposits run from AED 210,000 up to AED 1.02 million.
However, you’ll need to keep in mind that these are just reservation deposits, not the final price of the car. In its Roadster Reservation Agreement, Tesla says it’s still working on the car’s options, features and hardware, so it can’t confirm the purchase price yet. That will be worked out once you configure your own Roadster.
The Performance Version: AED 210,000
Tesla calls this one “road ready”. It’s a two-seater with active aerodynamics and a multi-mode suction system that’s designed to boost grip and handling. You’ll pay AED 20,000 upfront, which Tesla says is fully refundable, then the remaining AED 190,000 within 10 days.
The Thrust Version: AED 1.02 million
This one is “race ready” and comes in limited numbers. It has everything the Performance version has, plus acceleration thrusters that Tesla says can take it from 0 to 100kmph in under one second. Again, you’ll pay AED 20,000 upfront (also marked as fully refundable), then AED 1 million within 10 days. Because availability is limited, Tesla allows only one reservation per customer.
What Counts As A booking?
Your spot isn’t secured until Tesla has received the full payment, including the amount due within 10 days, and sent you a confirmation email.
It’s also worth knowing that a reservation isn’t the same as ordering or buying the car. It simply holds an approximate place in the queue. Closer to production, you’ll be invited to configure your Roadster and complete the purchase. If you go ahead, your full reservation payment comes off the final price.
And then there’s the Rocket
If upside-down driving and 0 to 100kmph in under a second still don’t sound wild enough, there’s a Roadster built to fly. Tesla calls the Rocket “air ready”. It’s a single-seater with all the features of the other two versions, plus a “full flight system”. Instead of rear thrusters like the Thrust version, it has cold-gas thrusters placed around the car, which Tesla says let it move upwards and forwards and rotate sideways in the air. The thrusters make tiny adjustments in fractions of a second to keep it stable mid-flight. Tesla sums it up like this: “So yes, it can fly.”
Here’s the catch: you can’t just reserve one online, however deep your pockets are. The Rocket is marked “Invite Only”, so you’ll need an invitation from Tesla, and no reservation amount has been listed. Tesla also says it isn’t approved for public roads, isn’t available in all regions, and that availability depends on local laws and regulations.
So, When Will It Arrive?
That’s the big unanswered question. Tesla admits the Roadster is still in development and that it “cannot guarantee when your vehicle will actually be delivered”. The agreement goes further, stating that no delivery date is offered, implied or guaranteed, and that Tesla accepts no liability for delays.
Musk has said production of the redesigned Roadster will start in 2028, but Tesla hasn’t said when deliveries will begin. Think of it as getting your name down early and letting the countdown begin.
