Sports · Motorsport · 5 hrs ago
Dakar Rally moves 2027 race out of Saudi Arabia
The 2027 Dakar Rally will not be held in Saudi Arabia, where the off-road race has taken place since 2020.
Organiser Amaury Sport Organisation said the one-off move followed recent developments in the region.
The race is still planned for January, but its new location has not been announced.
Morocco has been suggested as a possible host, but organisers have not confirmed that.
The change comes amid conflict and safety concerns, and other sporting events in the region have also been moved or postponed.
Organisers say they are in contact with competitors, teams and partners to help manage the change.
Saudi Arabia is due to host the 2028 rally, which will mark the event’s 50th running.
The Dakar Rally will move its 2027 race out of Saudi Arabia because of recent developments in the region.
Organisers called the move exceptional and one-off, and said the race will go ahead in a different territory.
The replacement location has not been confirmed and is expected to be announced in the coming days.
Saudi Arabia has hosted the rally since 2020 and is due to host the 2028 edition.
Morocco has been reported as a possible new location, but organisers have not confirmed it.
- Who
- The Dakar Rally organisers, including Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), announced the move.
- What
- The 2027 race will be held outside Saudi Arabia, in a location not yet announced.
- When
- The race is scheduled for January 2027; the articles give differing dates, January 1–15 and January 3–17.
- Where
- It will take place in a different territory from Saudi Arabia. The replacement location has not been stated.
- Why
- Organisers cited recent developments in the region; one article described safety concerns amid the ongoing conflict.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Saudi Arabia has hosted the Dakar Rally.
Organisers announced that the 2027 race would be held outside Saudi Arabia.
The Dakar Rally is scheduled to take place in a different territory.
Saudi Arabia is due to host the Dakar Rally’s 50th running.
- 2027 host
- A different territory; location not yet announced
- Planned race dates
- January 1–15 or January 3–17, according to differing articles
- Saudi hosting
- Saudi Arabia has hosted the rally since 2020
- 2028 edition
- Scheduled to return to Saudi Arabia
- Possible location
- Morocco was reported as a possibility, not confirmed
4 sources
Dakar Rally abandons Saudi Arabia for 2027
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Dakar Rally 2027 latest sporting event to be moved outside Saudi Arabia due to conflict
Dakar won’t be held in Saudia Arabia in 2027
What people are saying
This decision is exceptional and one-off and was taken in close coordination with the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF), and with the support of the FIA and the FIM
Dakar 2027 will go ahead. The 2027 edition will take place in a different territory and will be organised by ASO.
The location will be announced separately in the coming days.