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The 2027 Dakar Rally will no longer take place in Saudi Arabia, with organisers confirming that the world-famous off-road race will be relocated because of recent developments in the region.
The Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) and Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC) announced on Sunday, October 25, that the rally, scheduled for January 1–15, 2027, would be held in a different territory. The new location is expected to be announced in the coming days.
Organisers described the decision as an exceptional, one-off measure, taken in coordination with the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and with the support of the FIA and FIM.
Despite the relocation, the 2027 event will proceed as planned under ASO’s organisation. Saudi Arabia is expected to host the rally again in 2028, when the competition celebrates its 50th edition.
Morocco or Spain could be considered
Although the official replacement venue has not yet been confirmed, specialist motorsport media have reported that a route involving Spain and Morocco is under consideration.
A return to Africa would be significant for the Dakar Rally, which was originally staged between Paris and Senegal’s capital, Dakar. The event last took place in Africa in 2007 before security concerns led to the cancellation of the 2008 edition and subsequent moves to South America and, from 2020, Saudi Arabia.
If Morocco is selected, it would mark the rally’s return to African terrain after two decades. However, organisers have yet to announce the new host country or route.
Growing disruption to sporting events in the region
The Dakar Rally’s relocation comes amid wider security concerns and a series of changes to international sporting events in the Middle East.
The 2026 Saudi Arabian Formula One Grand Prix in Jeddah was cancelled, while the Bahrain Grand Prix was also called off. Saudi Arabia’s planned World Rally Championship finale has been removed from the calendar, and an exhibition tennis tournament featuring Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev has been postponed. The WTA Finals, originally scheduled for Riyadh, have also been moved to Indian Wells in California.
The changes come amid escalating conflict involving Yemen’s Houthi movement and attacks on Saudi territory, adding to concerns about the safety and logistics of staging major international events in the region.
Saudi Arabia has hosted seven consecutive Dakar Rally editions since 2020, making the country a key part of the event’s recent history.
Organisers say preparations are already under way for the rally’s return to Saudi Arabia in 2028, which will mark its 50th running.
For now, attention turns to the announcement of the 2027 host location and the arrangements needed to deliver one of motorsport’s most demanding endurance competitions.
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