Doha, Qatar: The 2027 Dakar Rally will not be held in Saudi Arabia following recent developments in the region, with organisers Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) and Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC) jointly deciding to move the event to a different territory.
Scheduled to take place from January 1 to 15, 2027, the rally will go ahead as planned, but at a new location to be announced separately in the coming days.
The 2027 edition will be organised by ASO, which is in direct contact with competitors, teams and partners to support them through the transition.
The decision, described as exceptional and one-off, was taken in close coordination with the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF), with the support of the FIA and the FIM.
Saudi Arabia, however, will return as host in 2028 for a landmark edition marking the 50th running of the Dakar Rally.
ASO and SMC are already working together to make the milestone an exceptional occasion for the rally and the Kingdom, with a shared commitment to delivering a world-class event to the highest standards.
Saudi Arabia has hosted seven consecutive editions of the Dakar since 2020, welcoming competitors from around the world on routes showcasing the Kingdom’s geographical diversity.
The editions have made the Kingdom an integral part of the Dakar community and established a strong, long-term strategic partnership between ASO, SMC and SAMF.
All three organisations have reaffirmed their commitment to continuing their cooperation, developing motorsport in the Kingdom and delivering outstanding experiences for competitors, teams and fans.
