Dakar Rally 2027 Leaves Saudi Arabia Amid Rising Security Concerns

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The 2027 Dakar Rally will take place outside Saudi Arabia after organisers decided to relocate the prestigious motorsport competition in response to growing security concerns across the region. The announcement, made on October 25, 2026, marks a major change for an event that has been staged in the Kingdom since 2020.

Despite the change of destination, the rally will go ahead. Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), which oversees the competition, confirmed that the next edition would be hosted in a different territory, with the new location expected to be announced in the coming days.

Security Concerns Reshape the Dakar Rally

The decision follows escalating regional tensions and security incidents that have raised concerns about the organisation of major international sporting events in Saudi Arabia. Organisers concluded that moving the competition was the most appropriate course of action under the current circumstances.

The relocation was agreed jointly by ASO and Saudi Motorsport Company, in coordination with the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and with support from the international motorsport governing bodies, the FIA and the FIM.

The 49th edition had initially been scheduled to run from January 1 to 15, 2027. The change of host territory will require adjustments to the rally's route and logistical arrangements, affecting competitors, technical teams, transport operators and support personnel.

For the organisers, the priority is to preserve the competition while ensuring suitable conditions for participants and staff.

Morocco Could Offer a Route Back to Africa

Morocco has emerged as a potential destination for the 2027 edition, raising the prospect of the Dakar Rally returning to African terrain. However, the organisers have yet to officially confirm the new host country or publish the revised itinerary.

A move to North Africa would represent a significant moment for the event, whose origins are closely linked to the continent. First held in 1978, the rally initially connected Europe with Senegal, establishing its reputation through demanding desert routes and long-distance endurance challenges.

The competition moved to South America in 2009 before beginning its Saudi Arabian chapter in 2020. A return to Africa would reconnect the rally with landscapes and traditions that helped shape its international identity.

Morocco's varied terrain and established experience in rally-raid competitions make it a plausible candidate. Nevertheless, the final destination and route remain subject to an official announcement.

Saudi Arabia Expected to Host the 2028 Edition

The withdrawal from Saudi Arabia is intended as a temporary measure rather than a permanent break in the partnership. Organisers have confirmed that the Kingdom is expected to host the 2028 edition, which will mark the Dakar Rally's 50th running.

Saudi Arabia has hosted seven consecutive editions since 2020, becoming an important part of the event's recent history. The partnership between ASO and its Saudi counterparts has helped establish the country as a major destination for international motorsport.

Preparations for the 2028 milestone are expected to continue despite the relocation of the 2027 race. Both sides have reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation and to the future development of motorsport in the Kingdom.

A Major Challenge for Organisers and Competitors

Relocating an event of the Dakar Rally's scale involves considerably more than selecting a new route. Organisers must coordinate vehicle transportation, border formalities, accommodation, technical inspections, safety arrangements and support services across the revised territory.

Competitors must also adapt their preparation to different environmental conditions and terrain. Desert navigation, vehicle setup, tyre selection and endurance strategies can vary substantially depending on the landscape and climate.

The coming announcement of the new host location will therefore be crucial for teams finalising their budgets, travel plans and technical preparations.

For the Dakar Rally, the challenge is to maintain the event's demanding sporting character while adapting to an exceptional geopolitical situation. The 2027 edition will introduce a new chapter in the competition's history, while the planned return to Saudi Arabia in 2028 points to the continuation of a partnership that has defined the rally's recent years.