Dakar Rally Organizers Relocate 2027 Event from Saudi Arabia
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Amaury Sport Organisation and the Saudi Motorsport Company announced on October 25, 2026, that the 2027 Dakar Rally will not take place in Saudi Arabia. The joint decision to move the 49th edition of the rally-raid comes in response to escalating regional unrest and ongoing security developments.
The move was decided alongside the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, with support from both the FIM and FIA governing bodies. Despite the change in territory, the rally remains set for its planned calendar window from January 1 to January 15, 2027.
Organizers are currently finalizing an alternative route. The replacement territory is expected to take competitors through southern Europe and into northwest Africa, though a formal announcement on the specific host location is still pending. The Dakar Rally is scheduled to return to Saudi Arabia for its 50th running in 2028.
The Dakar Rally remains the premier stage for international motorcycle rally-raid competition, drawing leading American off-road racers and serving as a key testing ground for adventure and dual-sport motorcycle development. Further updates on the final 2027 route are expected once organizers conclude logistical planning.
