Dakar Rally 2027 Moves From Saudi Arabia

Organisers of the Dakar Rally have confirmed that the 2027 edition of the famed off-road endurance event will not be held in Saudi Arabia, moving instead to Portugal and Morocco. The relocation was attributed to recent regional developments.

The 2027 Dakar Rally is scheduled to run from 9 to 23 January 2027, split between the two host countries. The decision marks a temporary pause in a run of Saudi editions that has made the Kingdom a central fixture on the global rally calendar in recent years.

Saudi Arabia is set to welcome the rally back in 2028, when the event will mark a major milestone: its 50th edition. The return underlines the long-term relationship between the Kingdom and one of the world's most demanding motorsport competitions.

Why it matters

The 2026 Dakar Rally was held in Saudi Arabia from 3 to 17 January 2026, starting and finishing in Yanbu with a rest day in Riyadh. Editions hosted in the Kingdom have drawn large international audiences and competitors, offering a notable boost to tourism, hospitality, and motorsport fans across the country.

For residents and visitors who have followed the rally through its Saudi routes, the news means a one-year break before the event returns. The 2028 anniversary edition is expected to be a significant draw for fans in Riyadh, Jeddah, and beyond.

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