Dakar Rally Relocates 2027 Edition Due to Middle East Tensions

The Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.) and Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC) have jointly announced that the 2027 Dakar Rally will no longer be held in Saudi Arabia. Originally scheduled for January 1–15, 2027, the event will be relocated to a different territory due to the recent escalation of the crisis in the Middle East.

Why it matters:

This decision marks a rare and abrupt shift in the rally's operational strategy. Since 2020, Saudi Arabia has served as the definitive home for the Dakar, providing the vast, diverse landscapes essential for the world's most grueling rally raid. The move signals that geopolitical instability has reached a point where the logistical security and safety of international teams and competitors can no longer be guaranteed for the 2027 window.

The details:

• Operational Continuity: The 2027 edition will still proceed as planned under the organization of the A.S.O., with a new host location to be announced in the coming days.
• Institutional Alignment: The decision was a coordinated effort involving the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF), with full backing from the FIA and FIM.
• Strategic Partnership: Despite this temporary relocation, the A.S.O. and SMC have emphasized that their long-term strategic partnership remains intact after seven consecutive successful editions in the Kingdom.

What's next:

While 2027 will see the rally in new territory, the long-term roadmap remains focused on a return to the Middle East. Saudi Arabia is confirmed to host the 2028 Dakar Rally, which will serve as the landmark 50th anniversary of the event. Both organizations are already collaborating to ensure this milestone edition meets world-class standards, treating the 2027 relocation as an exceptional, one-off measure to navigate current regional complexities.