Dakar Rally 2027 Won’t Be Held in Saudi Arabia, Organizers Announce

Dakar Rally 2027 Moves Out of Saudi Arabia Amid Regional Security Concerns

The 2027 Dakar Rally will not be held in Saudi Arabia, organizers announced, shifting the endurance race to an alternative territory due to recent security developments across the Middle East. The Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) and Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC) confirmed the decision jointly, noting that while the host nation changes, the competition remains scheduled for January 1 to January 15, 2027.

Reporting on the official announcement, Infobae noted that the relocation stems directly from ongoing attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen against the Arab kingdom. The decision arrived after coordinated discussions involving the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF), alongside governing sanctioning bodies the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM).

Transition Plans and the Expected Shift to Morocco

Organizers have characterized the venue change as an exceptional measure triggered by regional instability. ASO confirmed that it has already initiated contact with competing drivers, race teams, and commercial partners to manage the transition period ahead of the January start date.

While official confirmation of the new host country is pending an upcoming announcement from race officials, reporting indicates that Morocco is positioned to host the 2027 edition. ASO stated that the finalized route and host nation details will be released publicly in the coming days.

Saudi Arabia Retains Hosting Rights for the 2028 Golden Anniversary

Despite the disruption to the 2027 schedule, Saudi Arabia’s long-term partnership with the rally remains intact. The kingdom is officially slated to welcome the rally back for the 2028 competition, a milestone event marking the 50th anniversary of the historic endurance race.

Since 2020, Saudi Arabia has hosted seven consecutive editions. The terrain across the country has featured prominently in global motorsport calendars, establishing a strategic alliance between ASO, SMC, and SAMF that all three organizations have pledged to continue.

Next Scheduled Milestone for the Rally

Race organizers are set to announce the official host nation and revised route details for the January 2027 event within the coming days.

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